Use of data in design

The data presented here can be used for establishing both the conceptual and embodiment designs. However to detail the design, data should be obtained from test pieces manufactured by the same process route as the component or structure to check the material combination, process and process route. This step should never be omitted. 

Data collected from coupons cut from test plates may not be characteristic of the component as the fibre orientation, length and volume fraction may differ. Either the fibre orientation has to be made closer to that of the real component or else the design has to be altered at the detailing stage to account for the variations in properties from those assumed. 

A database, like RAPRA s Plascams, enables the material choice to be refined more closely. Both properties and design parameters like cost may be specified and ranked (Table 2.11). 

As with Tables 2.3 to 2.7, this choice needs to be checked with other data in the database or in this book. 

Greatorex, C.B. (1987) GRP in pressure pipelines. Civil Engineerings September 1987. 

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