Material selection and data assessment

The major constituents that comprise a composite are considered in this chapter and a method of making an initial selection is outlined. The use of databases for material selection is briefly considered. The basis of collecting and assessing data for inclusion in this book is discussed. 

The material selection process can be complex in the sense that a wide variety of constituents is available, and there are few standard materials in use. This chapter outlines a coarse method of selection and shows how databases allow a more refined choice to be made. 

In the next chapter, properties of the fibres and resins are described in more detail, so allowing a more quantitative choice to be made. 

In general, selection may be undertaken either from a design value for a specific property which must be associated with a suitable material combination or a material combination for which an appropriate property level is sought. 

Within this reference frame, the process of selection is outlined. For many material combinations one finds that there may be limited data available and only for the most commonly used materials is it possible to compare data from different sources. 

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