OVERVIEW

Polymeric composites constitute a large family of different materials. The family includes "Fiberglass", "Kevlar", "Graphite-Epoxies", "Thermoplastics" (both high and moderate temperature variants), an endless variation of toughening agents, fiber sizing formulations, fibers, processing techniques and hybrids. From a design standpoint, it is a very heterogeneous family.

The design of composite structure and the detail design of composite structural concepts is a trip into innovation every time a "new" material species, a "new" process or a "new" structural concept is used. A custom-made design approach needs to be developed or adapted from a previous "choice", because "new" often comes with different challenges. The development programs for "new" composite structures should come with a parallel design process development, including a special New Building Block Approach, NBBA, that embraces "scale-up" of design data. This type of "ad hoc" engineering is the price for a steady stream of improvements and possibly the approach for a future of "unlimited" opportunities.

A study of the defense sector reveals a consistent change of materials for new "vehicles." "The best material always is the one we have not screened yet." The trend has carried over to the civilian sector with a steady search for and use of new materials. The history of composites teaches us that innovation will be the norm for a long time to come. The presence of applicable service experience will be the exception and uncertainty is a concept we will have to learn to contend with in risk management and uncertainty reduction through...