GS Question

FRP composite stands for Fiber Reinforced Polymer composite, which is a type of material made by combining a polymer resin matrix with fibers, typically glass, carbon, or aramid fibers. The resin acts as a binder, providing the material with mechanical strength and durability, while the fibers reinforce and enhance its overall properties.

To manufacture FRP composites, the fabrication process typically involves several steps. First, the fibers are impregnated with the polymer resin using techniques such as wet layup, resin infusion, or filament winding. Then, the impregnated fibers are formed into the desired shape or structure using methods like molding, pultrusion, or curing in an autoclave. Finally, the formed composite is post-processed, finished, and assembled as necessary.

In the aviation industry, FRP composites are widely used due to their excellent strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and fatigue resistance. They are used in the manufacturing of aircraft structures, such as fuselages, wings, empennage components, and interior parts. The use of FRP composites helps to reduce the weight of the aircraft, resulting in improved fuel efficiency, increased payload capacity, and enhanced performance.

In the automobile industry, FRP composites have gained popularity for their ability to reduce vehicle weight while maintaining structural integrity and safety. They are used in the production of body panels, chassis components, interior parts, and various vehicle accessories. By employing FRP composites, automotive manufacturers can improve fuel efficiency, reduce emissions, and increase the overall durability and crashworthiness of vehicles.

A Run-of-river hydroelectricity project refers to a type of hydroelectric power generation system that utilizes the natural flow of a river or stream to generate electricity. Unlike traditional hydroelectric projects, which involve damming a river to create a reservoir, the run-of-river projects do not require a large reservoir and thus have a smaller environmental footprint.

In a run-of-river project, a portion of the river's flow is diverted into a channel or conduit, known as a penstock, which leads the water to a turbine. The flowing water drives the turbine, which is connected to a generator, converting the mechanical energy into electrical energy. After passing through the turbine, the water is returned to the river downstream, without the need for large-scale storage.

The key difference between run-of-river hydroelectricity projects and other hydroelectric projects lies in the absence of a significant reservoir. Traditional hydroelectric projects involve the construction of large dams to create vast reservoirs, which allow for water storage, flood control, and regulation of power production. On the other hand, run-of-river projects operate based on the natural flow of the river, relying on the available water flow without significant storage or regulation capacity. This makes run-of-river projects more suitable for rivers or streams with a consistent flow rate but lower water storage capacity.