6.3 composite materials Flashcards
What is a composite material?
Two or more materials combined to form a stronger structure
What two things are a composites made up of?
The matrix
The reinforcing material
What form is the matrix normally in?
Liquid
What form is the reinforcing matter in?
Solid
A third material is often used (such as honeycomb) to do what?
To make it stronger
Where are composites mainly used on an aircraft?
Primary airframe components.
List three advantages of modern day composites?
High strength to weight ratio
Longer service life
Easy repairable
Good corrosion resistance
What type of strength does modern day composites encourage?
Tensile
What are some disadvantages of modern day composites?
Expensive
Lack of methodology
Toxic and hazardous
Lack of knowledge
List the reinforcing fibres
Aramid
Black graphite
Boron
Ceramic
Fibreglass
What are the two different types of fibre glass?
E-class and S glass
How do you make fibreglass?
Heat up glass until it’s molten, then you force it through small holes
This creates what?
Glass filaments
What can glass filaments be used for?
Insulations and cloths
What are the advantages of fibreglass?
Does not conduct electricity
Less expensive
What is another name for Aramid?
Kevlar
What ensures the gold colour does not turn brown on Kevlar?
Protection from the environment
What is Kevlar sensitive to?
UV light
What are the two types of Kevlar used?
49 and 29
When are Aramid reinforced fibres used?
When areas are prone to impact damage
What property effects the ductility of Kevlar?
It has poor compressive strength
When cutting and drilling Kevlar, what’s must you ensure?
Specialist tools are used due to the strong nature of the material
What are advantages of Aramid?
Low density
Flexible
Good chemical resistance
High toughness
Non flammable
What main property is carbon fibre used for?
It’s rigidity and strength