Presentation about composite types used in aerospace.

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Composite
PLTW Engineering
Aerospace Engineering

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Aerospace Materials – Composites
Optional composites video

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Advantages of Composites
• Strength-to-weight ratio
• Long life
• Dampen vibration
• Easy to repair
• Easy to shape
• Tailored strength characteristics
• No corrosion

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Composites
Composite materials must have 2 basic parts:
Reinforcement (fiber)
Matrix (resin)
All composites MUST have an identifiable reinforcement
and matrix.

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Reinforcement and Matrix
Reinforcement provides the majority of strength.
Matrix holds the reinforcement in a specific orientation,
improves environmental properties, and provides some
strength.

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Common Composites
Fiberglass – Most common
Graphite – Good strength-to-weight ratio
Kevlar – Toughest
Boron – Strongest
Silicon Carbide – Ceramics reinforcement

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Industries That Use Composites
• Aerospace
• Recreation
• Biomedical
• Transportation
• Infrastructure and Construction

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Using Composites Safely
Materials can be toxic.
Areas at risk:
• Vision
• Dermal (skin)
• Respiratory

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Visual Risks
Liquids
• Resins
• Solvents
• Initiators (MEKP)
Solids
• Dust
• Particles

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Visual Problem Symptoms
• Watering eyes
• Redness
• Swelling
• Itching
• Burning

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Visual Protection
• Chemical goggles
• Glasses with side shields
These devices protect you from direct contact, but
vapors may still have an effect.

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Dermal Risks
• Fibers
• Coatings
• Chemicals
• Resins
• Solvents
• Mold release
• Foams
• Dust

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Dermal Problem Symptoms
• Redness
• Rash
• Itching
• Burning
• Dry or cracking skin

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Dermal Protection
• Cover your skin
• Gloves
• Latex (potential reaction)
• Nitrile
• Vinyl

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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/

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Summary
• Fiber Selection Considerations
• Performance needs
• Cost
• Availability
• Performance Considerations
• Required strength
• Strength vs. cost ratio
• Operating environment