Infrastructure

Weaving 8 Jan 2009

Fiber reinforcement forms

Rovings, the most common form of glass, can be chopped, woven or otherwise processed to create secondary fiber forms for composite manufacturing, such as mats, woven fabrics, braids, knitted fabrics and hybrid fabrics. Rovings are supplied by weight, with a specified filament diameter. The term yield is commonly used

Infrastructure 2 Dec 2008

Integrated drop-in-place superstructure the solution for Eight Mile Bridge

Based on the successful performance of previous composite bridge decks installed in Hamilton County, Ohio, highway engineers recently took a bold step, specifying an integrated composite bridge superstructure — that is, deck and support beams together in one unit — to replace a deficient span known as Eight Mile Bridge.

Infrastructure 2 Dec 2008

Competitive to the core

This new superyacht combines luxury innovations with energy-efficient construction, enabled by a new marine-grade balsa core.

Automation 21 Oct 2008

Wind Blade Manufacturing, Part I: M and P innovations optimize production

As demand for wind turbines reaches unprecedented levels, rotor blade manufacturers explore new production strategies, including automation and blade segmentation.

Out of Autoclave 17 Sep 2008

New Bridge Deck Bests Early FRP Systems

Mechanically fastened, two-piece composite deck system addresses challenges inherent in previous fiber-reinforced polymer deck designs, lowering cost, speeding installation and reducing maintenance.

Aerospace 9 Sep 2008

ATL and AFP: Signs of evolution in machine process control

Improved machine-control software, placement accuracy and design simulation have made automated fiber placement and tape laying machines truly production-worthy. The evolution, however, still continues.

Infrastructure 9 Sep 2008

Structural health monitoring: Composites get smart

New initiatives are mainstreaming real-time monitoring systems into composites on aircraft, wind blades and other critical performance structures.

Sustainability 30 Jun 2008

Alternative energy growth creating secular demand for composites

Alternative energy sources, such as solar, wind, and geothermal, are finally emerging as contenders alongside our primary electric-power-producing fossil fuels, natural gas and coal (but not oil), primarily because these technologies are ready for widespread distribution and adoption, based on average pricing for electricity.

Infrastructure 1 Jun 2008

RETOOLING THEORY AND PRACTICE

To meet the critical need for knowledgeable composites engineers and technicians, public/private partnerships are molding new applications-driven and transportable educational models.

Workforce Development 1 Jun 2008

Education: Retooling Theory and Practice

To meet the critical need for knowledgeable composites engineers and technicians, public/private partnerships are molding new applications-driven and transportable educational methods.