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Purpose
The purpose of this project is to create a composite material and test how it performs under different pressures.
Procedure
- Cut foam blocks/beams
- Cut fiberglass strips
- Used epoxy apply the fiberglass strips to the foam
- Placed the beams in the SSA-1000 for testing
- Recorded data
- Built portfolio
Beam Construction
We were instructed to cut 2 foam beams of different dimensions. One beam was 2in x 2in x 12in, and the other beam was 2in x 1/2in x 12in. We used the Foam cutter (A heated wire) to cut out our dimensioned pieces.
Matrix & Reinforcement
To apply the fiber glass strips to the foam beams we used 2 types of fiberglass strips. We first applied the epoxy to the beam, then applied one strip of fiberglass. Next, we put on another layer of epoxy and another strip of fiberglass. We did this on 2 opposite sides of each beam, totaling 4 strips of epoxy on each beam, and 2 strips on each each side of the beam.
Finished Composites
These pictures are the cured beams that we had made last time. The fiberglass strips are now stuck on the surface of each beam.
Deflection Testing
The SSA-1000 is a machine that will apply contusion pressure on an object until it breaks, or bends to much. This is how we tested our beams we made.
This image is describing how you would find the moment of inertia for a rectangular beam.
This image shows how you would calculate the deflection of a beam, and how to calculate the modulus of elasticity of a beam.
Conclusion
1. Based upon this information, explain if this materials appropriate for use as a main wing spar.
Yes this material would be good for a main wing spar because it is a small material with a very high strength to weight ratio, and beams in aircraft wings need to be able to hold a significant amount of force. Because it is so light, it would barely effect the overall weight of the airplane.
2. Explain if it is appropriate for an aircraft floor.
This would probably not be the best material for the flood of an aircraft because even though it can hold a lot of weight, the floor of an aircraft needs to have a very small modulus of elasticity so people aren't bouncing while they walk.
3. Explain if it is appropriate for a strut.
This would not be a good material for the struts of an aircraft because it is fairly brittle, and for a part that needs to absorb shock, it would break and the plane would crash.
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