Composite Construction for Beginners

This book discusses various topics of composites including specific techniques and processes for the use of several approaches to composite construction. Several case studies illustrating practical application of specific processes and techniques are also provided. Chapter 2; State of the Art of Composites, describes many of the common materials and tools used during the construction of composite parts and tools. Chapter 3; Project Planning, is provided to help prepare the reader for setting up their project for success by planning for all the needed tool, materials, and support requirements. Chapter 4; Procuring Materials, provides a table of materials and tools, including some common sources and prices for the items listed. Some safety precautions and warnings for working with composites are provided in Chapter 5. The foundation for general composite techniques, terminology, and processes are discussed in Chapter 6. Beginning in Chapter 7, a step-by-step case study walks the reader through one way of building a 1/5th scale composite wing. The process selected for this example is a molded composite wing using a plug to mold process before creating the desired wing panels. The process for building a moldless design is nearly the same as the plug portion of these instructions with the exception of the level of detail to the plug. For a moldless wing project, much more attention to weight and initial dimensional correctness of the core is required.