1565. Contributions of the Composite Material Constituents to the Laminate Structural Weight

Paper

Abstract

Wider use of composite material has lead to a greater variety of its constituents, the fibers and matrix. With ply stackup and orientation, the apportioning and choice of the constituents offer the design a versatility unavailable with isotropic materials. However, the testing to substantiate the lamina properties necessary for determining the structural allowables may considerably lag the advent of these new materials. Early weight estimates must rely on the micromechanical rationales available. Several theories are reviewed and the recommendation is made for a ratio approach to avoid consideration of ‘knock-down’ or correlation factors associated with fabrication variables, such as fiber misalignment and contiguity. The base for the ratio is an established material such as T300/5208. The weight effect of the constituent changes can then be evaluated using classical laminate theory and one of the available software packages for analysis of anisotropic structure.