1. Composites
Aerospace Engineering
© 2011 Project Lead The Way, Inc.

2. Aerospace Materials – Composites
Presentation Name
Aerospace Materials – Composites
Course Name
Unit # – Lesson #.# – Lesson Name
Optional resource available L2_1_Composites (Length = 1:19). If you choose to display the video, pause the presentation and play the video.
Optional Composites Video

3. Advantages of Composites
Introduction to Composites
Aerospace EngineeringTM
Unit 6 - Lesson 6.1: Composite Fabrication
Strength-to-weight ratio
Long life
Dampen vibration
Easy to repair
Easy to shape
Tailored strength characteristics
No corrosion
Project Lead The Way, Inc.
Copyright 2007

4. Introduction to Composites
Aerospace EngineeringTM
Unit 6 - Lesson 6.1: Composite Fabrication
Composite materials must have 2 basic parts:
Reinforcement (fiber)
Matrix (resin)
All composites MUST have an identifiable reinforcement and matrix.
Project Lead The Way, Inc.
Copyright 2007

5. Reinforcement and Matrix
Introduction to Composites
Aerospace EngineeringTM
Unit 6 - Lesson 6.1: Composite Fabrication
Reinforcement provides the majority of strength.
Matrix holds the reinforcement in a specific orientation, improves environmental properties, and provides some strength.
Project Lead The Way, Inc.
Copyright 2007

6. Introduction to Composites
Common Composites
Introduction to Composites
Aerospace EngineeringTM
Unit 6 - Lesson 6.1: Composite Fabrication
Fiberglass – Most common
Graphite – Good strength-to-weight ratio
Kevlar – Toughest
Boron – Strongest
Silicon Carbide – Ceramics reinforcement
Project Lead The Way, Inc.
Copyright 2007

7. Industries That Use Composites
Introduction to Composites
Aerospace EngineeringTM
Unit 6 - Lesson 6.1: Composite Fabrication
Aerospace
Recreation
Biomedical
Transportation
Infrastructure and Construction
Project Lead The Way, Inc.
Copyright 2007

8. Using Composites Safely
Introduction to Composites
Aerospace EngineeringTM
Unit 6 - Lesson 6.1: Composite Fabrication
Materials can be toxic.
Areas at risk:
Vision
Dermal (skin)
Respiratory
Project Lead The Way, Inc.
Copyright 2007

9. Introduction to Composites
Visual Risks
Introduction to Composites
Aerospace EngineeringTM
Unit 6 - Lesson 6.1: Composite Fabrication
Liquids
Resins
Solvents
Initiators (MEKP)
Solids
Dust
Particles
Project Lead The Way, Inc.
Copyright 2007

10. Visual Problem Symptoms
Introduction to Composites
Aerospace EngineeringTM
Unit 6 - Lesson 6.1: Composite Fabrication
Watering eyes
Redness
Swelling
Itching
Burning
Project Lead The Way, Inc.
Copyright 2007

11. Introduction to Composites
Visual Protection
Introduction to Composites
Aerospace EngineeringTM
Unit 6 - Lesson 6.1: Composite Fabrication
Chemical goggles
Glasses with side shields
These devices protect you from direct contact, but vapors may still have an effect.
Project Lead The Way, Inc.
Copyright 2007

12. Introduction to Composites
Dermal Risks
Introduction to Composites
Aerospace EngineeringTM
Unit 6 - Lesson 6.1: Composite Fabrication
Fibers
Coatings
Chemicals
Resins
Solvents
Mold release
Foams
Dust
Project Lead The Way, Inc.
Copyright 2007

13. Dermal Problem Symptoms
Introduction to Composites
Aerospace EngineeringTM
Unit 6 - Lesson 6.1: Composite Fabrication
Redness Rash Itching Burning Dry or cracking skin
Project Lead The Way, Inc.
Copyright 2007

14. Introduction to Composites
Dermal Protection
Introduction to Composites
Aerospace EngineeringTM
Unit 6 - Lesson 6.1: Composite Fabrication
Cover your skin
Gloves
Latex (potential reaction)
Nitrile
Vinyl
Project Lead The Way, Inc.
Copyright 2007

15. Introduction to Composites
Additional Information
Aerospace EngineeringTM
Unit 6 - Lesson 6.1: Composite Fabrication
Detailed information about epoxy resins and hardeners can be found on the Internet. Materials Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) can also be downloaded at this site:
Project Lead The Way, Inc.
Copyright 2007

16. Introduction to Composites
Summary
Introduction to Composites
Aerospace EngineeringTM
Unit 6 - Lesson 6.1: Composite Fabrication
Fiber Selection Considerations
Performance needs
Cost
Availability
Performance Considerations
Required strength
Strength vs. cost ratio
Operating environment
Project Lead The Way, Inc.
Copyright 2007