Composits Flashcards
What are the two types of composites materials
Reinforcing
Matrix
What does reinforcing materials consist of
Tapes, woven into fabric, or grouped together into a loosely compacted mat
What are the three types of reinforcing materials
Fiberglass
Kevlar
Graphite
What are the two types of fiberglass
S glass
E glass
How are fiberglass materials made of
Drawn from molted glass and spun together and woven into shiny, white cloth
What is Kevlar
Used to replace fiberglass. Strength of a similar metal part and is lighter weight
What is an advantage of Kevlar
Flexibility under a load and ability to withstand impact, shock, and vibration
What is graphite
A form of carbon. Structural graphite is used in composite structures because of strength and stiffness
Where is graphite used
Primary structures where high strength and rigidity are prime considerations
Can graphite be bonded over aluminum
Yes but use with caution
How do you improve the strength of fibers
Take the grain and turn it 45 degrees and 90 degrees
What are the two types of fiber directions
Unidirectional
Bidirectional
What is a unidirectional fabric
All the threads run the same way aka warp direction and have small cross threads running across them
What is fill threads
Used to hold the unidirectional warp pieces together 
What is bidirectional fabrics
Interlaced fill threads with the warp threads as the fabric is being woven into looms
What is a hybrid fiber
A fiber composed of different types of fibers woven together to obtain special characteristics
What is one of the most common hybrid fibers
Kevlar and graphite
What is matrix
Material used in composite construction to bind the fibers together and to transmit the forces into the fibers.
What is a common matrix
Resin
What are the two basic types of resins
Thermoplastic
Thermosetting
How does thermoplastic resins work
Heat is used to shape the component and then when cools it take the shape it was formed to
How does thermosetting work
It uses heat to cure the part to take its shape form.
What are the two types of thermosetting resins
Polyester
Epoxy
What is polyester resins typically used with
Fiberglass
Where does polyester resin typically used
They are used on non structural components and are low cost
What are the parts that make up a polyester resin
Resin
Catalyst
What does epoxy resin use
Resin
Catalyst
What is pre impregnated materials
A type of composite material in which the reinforcing fibers are encapsulated in an uncured resin
What is an adhesive
A resin that is used to bond parts together
What is an adhesive made up of
Catalyzed resin that is formed into a thin film
How is adhesive cured
By heat and pressure
What is foaming adhesives used for
Bond sections of honeycomb core
What are the two basic types of foam used in aircraft structures
Styrofoam
Urethane
How is styrofoam cut
By the use of a hot wire cutter
What is an advantage of urethane foam
It is fuel proof
How is urethane foam cut
A sharp knife or scissors
What type of resin are used with styrofoam
Epoxy
What types of resin can be used with urethane foam
Either epoxy or polyester
Where is honeycomb most likely used at
High performance applications
What type of stress is put on the honeycomb
Compressive
What is ribbon direction
The direction in a piece of honeycomb material that is parallel to the length of the strips of material that makes up the core
What is a filler
Used to change the resin into a syrup or paste
What is the most common type of filler
Micro balloons
What are the three ways to apply heat and pressure
Matched dies
Vacuum bag
Autoclave
What is an autoclave
A pressured vessel inside of which air can be heated to a high temperature and pressure raised to a high value.
What do you use to make repairs and inspections on composite materials
Structural repair manual
What is delamination
The separation of the layers of a laminated material
What are ways to find delamination
The coin tap test
X ray
Ultrasonic inspection
Back lighting
What is an indication of delamination
A dull thud
What are the two types of cures for repairing composites
Room temp cure
Hot temp cure
What is a warp clock used for
Shows the orientation of the plies of a composite material
What is a parting film
A layer of thin plastic material placed between a composite lay up and the heating blanket. It prevents the blanket from sticking to the fabric
What is a bleeder used for
It absorbed the excess resin forced out by ply fibers
How do u drill graphite
Spade drill
What is some typical safety procedures when dealing with composites
Use a respirator
Safety glasses
Wear latex gloves
