Essentials of Advanced Composite Fabrication & Repair

Advanced composite technology is constantly changing and embracing new developments daily, yet most of the basics needed to successfully design, fabricate and repair composite structures remain the same. Essentials of Advanced Composite Fabrication & Repair works as the perfect introductory textbook for beginners yet is also functional for the composite professional. It teaches the concepts and methods in a simple and straightforward way for a wide array of composite fundamentals, including fiber and matrix selection, molding methods, curing and achieving desired properties, tooling, testing and non-destructive inspection, step-by-step repair instructions and troubleshooting, key environmental, health and safety issues, and much more.

New for this Second Edition are an introduction to nanomaterials in composites, and improved molding methods, adhesive bonding, joining and fastening coverage. Also updated with the advances in matrix technology and fiber reinforcements, as well as tooling, filament winding and various testing and inspection method improvements.

Based on the authors’ combined 110 years in the industry, this textbook is also a compendium of industry information, presented with full-color illustrations and photography. Fabric styles, core types, design guides, and detailed product information in the industry, and more, makes this book essential to anyone working in composite―from material and process engineers, to repair technicians and maintenance mechanics. Including bibliographic information, a glossary and index, it also serves as the companion textbook to most Abaris Training basic courses.

Louis C. Dorworth is the Direct Services Manager for Abaris Training Resources, Inc., where he currently manages all marketing and training activities worldwide. Lou has been involved in the advanced composites industry since 1978, starting in aerospace as a toolmaker and part-time M&P technician for the Lear Fan 2100 program in Reno, NV and going on to work in the industry for another decade. Among many other professional organizations he is active in, Lou has been a professional member of the Society for the Advancement of Material & Process Engineering (SAMPE) since 1982, and is an advisor to several conference and workshop steering committees within these technical organizations. Ginger Gardiner has worked in the composites industry since 1990. She has a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Rice University and began her career as a technical marketing representative in DuPont's Composites Division for KEVLAR and NOMEX products in aerospace and marine applications. After leaving DuPont, Ginger formed Vantage Marketing Services, providing market and product development consulting, and also developed and marketed technical conferences. She has worked as Senior Editor of the now combined CompositesWorld magazine since 2013. Greg Mellema, Ph.D. is Assistant Professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University teaching a variety of maintenance-related courses at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Additionally, he conducts research focused on Advanced Composites as well as Maintenance Human Factors. He has been an active Airframe & Powerplant mechanic since 1988 and holds an Inspection Authorization (IA) from the FAA as well. Dr. Mellema has over 30 years' experience working on both manned and unmanned military and civilian aircraft with a special emphasis on manufacture and repair of advanced composite structures. Greg holds a B.S. degree in Professional Aeronautics, an M.S. in Aeronautical Science and a Ph.D. in Aviation from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He is also a member of SAMPE, AMT Society, and holds certifications in composites/composite repair from both SAE and CertTEC.