1st Edition

Defects and Damage in Composite Materials and Structures

By Rikard Benton Heslehurst Copyright 2014
    214 Pages 154 B/W Illustrations
    by CRC Press

    214 Pages 154 B/W Illustrations
    by CRC Press

    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