1st Edition
Defects and Damage in Composite Materials and Structures
The advantages of composite materials include a high specific strength and stiffness, formability, and a comparative resistance to fatigue cracking and corrosion. However, not forsaking these advantages, composite materials are prone to a wide range of defects and damage that can significantly reduce the residual strength and stiffness of a structure or result in unfavorable load paths.
Emphasizing defect identification and restitution, Defects and Damage in Composite Materials and Structures explains how defects and damage in composite materials and structures impact composite component performance. Providing ready access to an extensive, descriptive list of defects and damage types, this must-have reference:
- Examines defect criticality in composite structures
- Recommends repair actions to restore structural integrity
- Discusses failure modes and mechanisms of composites due to defects
- Reviews NDI processes for finding and identifying defects in composite materials
Relating defect detection methods to defect type, the author merges his experience in the field of in-service activities for composite airframe maintenance and repair with indispensable reports and articles on defects and damage in advanced composite materials from the last 50 years.
Preliminary Pages
Introduction
Advanced Composite Materials
The Range of Composite Structural Types
Aerospace Applications
Civil Infrastructure Applications
Marine Applications
Land Transport Applications
Other Applications
Design Requirements with a Focus on the Damaging Environment
What the Book Contains
Definitions
Defects
Failure
Damage and Defect Description
Introduction
Defect Types
Description
Classifications of Defect Types
Defect Occurrence
Defect Size
Defect Location
Generalization of Defect Types
Conclusions
Appendix A - Defect Type Description
Finding the Non-Conformity
Introduction
NDI Methods
Visual Inspection
Acoustic Methods
Ultrasonic Methods
Thermography
Interferometry
Radiography
Microwave
Material Property Changes
In-Situ Methods
Application of NDI Methods
NDI Selection Process
NDI Personnel
Important Requirements
Failure Mechanisms
Introduction
Failure Modes and Mechanisms
Basic Modes of Failure
Complex Modes of Failure
Failure Mechanisms
Conclusions
Loss of Integrity
Introduction
Definitions
Generic Defect Types
Structurally Significance Defect
General Representation
Criticality of Defects
Matrix Cracks (Intralaminar)
Delaminations (Interlaminar Matrix Cracks)
Fiber Cuts And Holes
Summary
Restitution and Repair
Introduction
Selection of The Repair Method
Repair Facility Capability
Types of Damage
On- or Off-Structure
Damaged Component Accessibility
Repair Criteria
Generic Repair Designs
Filling/Sealing Repair Scheme
Filling/Doubler Patch Repair Scheme
Flush Bonded Patch Repair Scheme
Bolted Patch Repair Schemes
Matrix Cracks
Delaminations
Holes and Fiber Fracture
Low Strength Degrading Holes
Moderate Strength Degrading Holes
Fully Structural Repairs to Holes
Damage Removal and Surface Preparation
Removing the Damage
Moisture Removal
Surface Preparation
Repair Scheme Fabrication and Application
Cure Process
Post-Repair Inspection
Summary
References and Bibliography
List of Figures
List of Tables
Nomenclature
Preface
Dedication
Index
Biography
Rikard Benton Heslehurst, Ph.D, CPEng, FIEAust, FRAeS, FSAMPE, SMAIAA, ACSS, SAE, EAA, Spitfire Assoc. is a former aeronautical engineering officer in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). Currently, he is senior lecturer for the School of Engineering and Information Technology of the University College, UNSW at the Australian Defence Force Academy. He is also senior engineer for Abaris Training, Reno, Nevada and consultant for the Australian Defence Force, Civil Aviation Safety Authority, Raytheon Missile Systems, NASA, USAF, Boeing, Bombardier Aerospace, Australian Space Safety Office, SRAM-Zipp Wheels, and SP Systems-UK.
"… easy to read and up to date, with good explanations and details on repairs."
—Brent Strong, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, USA"… detailed coverage by a knowledgeable author."
—Michael J. Hoke, Abaris Training Resources, Inc., Reno, Nevada, USA