Copyright 2022. Project Lead The Way, Inc.
1
Composite
PLTW Engineering
Aerospace Engineering

Copyright 2022. Project Lead The Way, Inc.
2
Aerospace Materials – Composites
Optional composites video

Copyright 2022. Project Lead The Way, Inc.
3
Advantages of Composites
• Strength-to-weight ratio
• Long life
• Dampen vibration
• Easy to repair
• Easy to shape
• Tailored strength characteristics
• No corrosion

Copyright 2022. Project Lead The Way, Inc.
4
Composites
Composite materials must have 2 basic parts:
Reinforcement (fiber)
Matrix (resin)
All composites MUST have an identifiable reinforcement
and matrix.

Copyright 2022. Project Lead The Way, Inc.
5
Reinforcement and Matrix
Reinforcement provides the majority of strength.
Matrix holds the reinforcement in a specific orientation,
improves environmental properties, and provides some
strength.

Copyright 2022. Project Lead The Way, Inc.
6
Common Composites
Fiberglass – Most common
Graphite – Good strength-to-weight ratio
Kevlar – Toughest
Boron – Strongest
Silicon Carbide – Ceramics reinforcement

Copyright 2022. Project Lead The Way, Inc.
7
Industries That Use Composites
• Aerospace
• Recreation
• Biomedical
• Transportation
• Infrastructure and Construction

Copyright 2022. Project Lead The Way, Inc.
8
Using Composites Safely
Materials can be toxic.
Areas at risk:
• Vision
• Dermal (skin)
• Respiratory

Copyright 2022. Project Lead The Way, Inc.
9
Visual Risks
Liquids
• Resins
• Solvents
• Initiators (MEKP)
Solids
• Dust
• Particles

Copyright 2022. Project Lead The Way, Inc.
10
Visual Problem Symptoms
• Watering eyes
• Redness
• Swelling
• Itching
• Burning

Copyright 2022. Project Lead The Way, Inc.
11
Visual Protection
• Chemical goggles
• Glasses with side shields
These devices protect you from direct contact, but
vapors may still have an effect.

Copyright 2022. Project Lead The Way, Inc.
12
Dermal Risks
• Fibers
• Coatings
• Chemicals
• Resins
• Solvents
• Mold release
• Foams
• Dust

Copyright 2022. Project Lead The Way, Inc.
13
Dermal Problem Symptoms
• Redness
• Rash
• Itching
• Burning
• Dry or cracking skin

Copyright 2022. Project Lead The Way, Inc.
14
Dermal Protection
• Cover your skin
• Gloves
• Latex (potential reaction)
• Nitrile
• Vinyl

Copyright 2022. Project Lead The Way, Inc.
15
Additional Information
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:
http://www.westsystem.com/

Copyright 2022. Project Lead The Way, Inc.
16
Summary
• Fiber Selection Considerations
• Performance needs
• Cost
• Availability
• Performance Considerations
• Required strength
• Strength vs. cost ratio
• Operating environment