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Composite Design Fundamentals
Composite Design Fundamentals
Composite Design Fundamentals
Fundamentals
David Richardson
Contents
A review of the fundamental characteristics of
composites
Design
Criteria and Considerations
Aircraft Composite Design Process
Analysis approach - FEA
Yield stress
Aluminium example = 200 MPa
Anisotropic Material
Benefits
We can put the material properties where we
need them
Strength, stiffness +
Disadvantage
We need to understand and determine where
and in which direction we need high
performance
10+ manufacturing
options
30+ matrix
options
+ many process
variations
- Many
combination
considerations
- such as tooling
and consolidation
options
Composite Material
Matrix Phase
The roles of the Matrix
Holds the fibres in position
Protects the fibres
Transfers loads to and from fibres
Bending loads
Composite Failure
Composites tend to fail in a different way
to metals
Different failure modes
Brittle fibres in a ductile matrix
Sudden brittle failure no elasticity
Crazing and matrix cracking may occur
Unseen failure may initiate in the laminate
Hence fear due to BVID in carbon fibre structures
Inter laminar disbonding and damage
Stiffness
Strength
Low mass
Part count reduction
Low cost production of
complex shapes
Low attenuation to X-rays
Radar transparent
Inherent excellent FST
properties
Corrosion resistance
Good fatigue
performance
EMI/RFI screening
Electrical insulation
Ballistic performance
Low CTE
Good Ablative properties
(resistance to erosive
processes)
Material Selection
Processing/Fabrication Methods
Structural Considerations
Environmental Effects & Protection
Sandwich Construction
5.
6.
7.
Analysis Approach
Analysis only as good as the weakest
element
Usually begins with approximations
Simplified approach for initial sizing
Rule of Mixtures, experience, empirical data
Refine analysis
Use of computational tools
Advantages of Composites
Textured surfaces
Self colouring
Integration of parts
Economy of scale
Moulding direct to final dimensions
Efficient use of materials
Durability
Lifetime costing attractive
Disadvantages of Composites
References
Composite Materials - UWE E-learning resource
David Richardson, John Burns, Aerocomp Ltd.
Contact Details
Dr David Richardson
Room 1N22
Faculty of Engineering and Technology
University of the West of England
Frenchay Campus
Coldharbour Lane
Bristol
BS16 1QY
Tel: 0117 328 2223
Email: David4.Richardson@uwe.ac.uk