Material Science

Individual Assignment 2

Deadline: 09/12/12

1. What properties are needed to be considered for application calling for following
requirements? (7 marks)

I) Rigidity.

Ii) Strength of no plastic deformation under static load.

Iii) Strength to withstand overload without fracture.

2. Specific Strength of Materials Is Very High When they are in fiber size but lower when
they are in bar form - why? (3 marks)

3. A certain aerospace company is aiming to increase the volume percentage of

composites in a new aircraft to 90%. One component under review is the landing gear. It
has determined that one of the struts is to be constructed from a 0o /90o mix unidirectional
ply to form a rectangular beam. The beam undergoes high compressive and bending
forces during each landing cycle. You have conducted an initial search for potential
unidirectional prepreg (fiber preimpregnated with resin to form the individual plies)
materials. Discuss the following material characteristics, and their relative merits in the
context of your design problem. Be specific as to why these characteristics are present,
and be sure to discuss such issues as cost, weight, strength, failure modes, repair-ability,
environmental durability, etc., where appropriate.

(i) Fiber type (carbon vs. glass)

(ii) Thermoplastic vs. thermoset resin for the matrix
(iii) Fiber diameter (from nano to ~100µm diameter) 10 marks