Introduction to Composite Manufacturing

Learn about composite manufacturing, including materials, manufacturing processes, and repair methods.

Composite manufacturing is ready to meet the demands of the modern world, including groundbreaking vehicle and aeronautical designs, which require ever lighter and stronger materials. Commonly associated with carbon fiber processes, composite manufacturing combines two materials to form a polymer with properties that would be hard to produce with a single material alone. The resulting composites are durable and light. This course teaches the fundamentals of composite manufacturing, including fiber and resin-based processes, and shows ways to detect and repair defects. Instructor Steven Marjieh reviews common composite materials, manufacturing methods, inspection methods, defect types, and repair options.

Introduction

• Welcome

1. Composites

• Introduction to composite manufacturing
• What is a composite?
• History of composites
• Where composites are used

2. Materials

• Fibers and fabrics
• Matrix: Resins
• Core
• Adhesives

3. Manufacturing Methods

• Layup process
• Room temp curing: Wet layup
• Autoclave: Elevated temp and pressure
• Resin infusion process
• Compression molding

4. Inspection Methods

• Defining defects and non-destructive methods
• Visual inspection
• Tap testing
• Ultrasonic
• Radiography
• Thermography
• Neutron radiography
• Moisture detector

5. Damage Types

• Manufacturing defects
• In-service defects

6. Repair Methods

• Solid laminates
• Sandwich

Conclusion

• Next steps