Composite Materials

Composite materials are used in automobiles, ships, and aircraft

Composite materials typically consist of two basic elements:

  1. Reinforcing fiber
  2. Binder or matrix

Examples of composite materials include carbon fibers, fiberglass, epoxy and polyester resins.

Applications

  • Aerospace, where reduced weight means significant reduction in operating costs
  • Sandwich materials can cover a large span without collapsing under their own weight making composites ideal for industrial and commercial construction
  • These lightweight materials used in bulkheads and decks in shipbuilding reduces weight above the waterline, minimizing the tendency of the ship to roll in heavy seas

 

Related Links

Case Study - Low Temperature Testing
Case Study - Two Axis Testing of Ceramics
MatWeb - Database of Material Properties
Profile - Testing on the Cutting Edge

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