Fibre composites, design with

Modem three layers pressure vessels are under study, which consist of a stressbearing component - an inner polymer liner over-wrapped with a carbon-fibre composite - and an outer aramid-material layer, mechanical and corrosion damage resistant [1]. A system for the gaseous hydrogen storage at room temperature has also been designed, adopting a definite number of linked cylindrical pressure vessels [13]. 

FEM analysis will establish the approximate thickness of carbon-fibre panelling required to meet overall stress requirements (expressed in g/m ). It will also establish the quality of carbon fibres required (expressed typically in terms of HT(A/S), UM, etc.) as well as their orientation (e.g. single-or multi-directional layer). Further analysis will identify in which areas the carbon-fibre thickness can be reduced to 50% if required, with local reinforcements applied to meet stress levels. This analysis can also help establish where carbon-fibre composites can be replaced by basalt-fibre composite components. As an example, FEM analysis would reveal that, based on the chosen wall design concept, a 4 x 400 g/m multi-layer carbon HT-fibre would achieve the required strength. It would also highlight those areas which would need... 

One of the first applications for the adhesive grade of PES is as a structural adhesive to upgrade the temperature performance of epoxy resins (17). Mixtures of PES with epoxy resin are used to stick the aluminium outer skin on to aluminium honeycomb and such structures are designed for a 10,000 hr lifetime at 300°F whioh is typical of idle performance requirements of some supersonic aircraft. This adhesive grade can also be used as a matrix for making carbon fibre composites which show hi ... 

Glass and glass-ceramic composite materials with alternative designed microstmctures have received much less attention in the past than their classic counterparts, namely dispersion-reinforced and continuous fibre-reinforced glass and glass-ceramic matrix composites (discussed in the previous Chapters 20 and 19, respectively). Due to their particular microstmcture, these composites may display a range of properties not achievable with... 

Chapter 1 in the EUROCOMP Design Code follows closely the introductory chapters of the Eurocodes for steel and for concrete. It consists largely of statements of the Principles of design, which do not require amplification. Hence Chapter 1 of the EUROCOMP Background Document is largely devoted to an introduction to polymeric fibre composite materials, chiefly for those unfamilar with their properties and the manufacturing techniques involved. 

The processing characteristics required of glass fibres include choppability, low static build up, conformance to complex shape, etc. and resin compatibility requirements such as fast wet out, good fibre/matrlx adhesion, etc. Thus glass fibres are available with characteristics which are designed to make them suitable for whichever of the composite manufacturing processes is to be used. 

As noted earlier in this handbook, continuous fibre composites with fibres accounting for 50% or more of the material volume present the highest properties possible. Unfortunately, continuous fibres make forming - and sheet forming in particular - difficult to control. Before specifying continuous fibre components made by sheet forming, a designer should determine whether a discontinuous fibre product could meet the need. 

Roof linings constitute a special case, with unique problems. The widely used basic design of a preformed sheet of resinated cardboard, bonded over the complete surface, is not really adequate for today s customers or today s production techniques. The trends are towards easier installation and a more luxurious, softer surface. Hence foam-backed knitted fabrics of various kinds are increasingly used, although there is still a significant market for expanded PVC. A newer low-cost solution is a moulding composition comprising textile fibre fleece bound with phenolic resin. 

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