scope:

General

The structural materials handbook, SMH, combines materials and design information on established polymer matrix composites with provisional information on the emerging groups of newer advanced materials and their composites. Design aspects are described, along with factors associated with joining and manufacturing. Where possible, these are illustrated by examples or case studies.

Polymer composites

The polymer composite materials described are those having continuous fibre reinforcement in a polymer matrix, i.e.:

• Continuous fibre reinforcement, [See: [2-3]

⎯ Carbon

⎯ Aramid

⎯ Glass

• Thermosetting polymer matrix, [See:[2-4]]:

⎯ Epoxy, [See:2.4,3.2].

⎯ Polyimide, [See:6.12].

⎯ Bismaleimide, [See:6.6].

• Thermoplastic polymer matrix, e.g. PEEK, PEI, PES, [See: 6.17].

Advanced materials

Information on the characteristics and applications is given for:

• Magnesium alloys and their composites, [See: Clause 44].

• Aluminium alloys and their composites, [See: Clause 46].

• Titanium alloys and their composites, [See: Clause 47].

• Superalloys and their composites, [See: Clause 48].

• Intermetallic materials, [See: Clause 49].

• Refractory metals, [See: Clause 50].

• Beryllium, [See: Clause 51].

• Technical ceramics, [See: Clause 43]

• Ceramic matrix composites, [See: Clause 52].

• Glass and glass-ceramic matrix composites, [See: Clause 53].

• Carbon-carbon composites, [See: Clause 54].

Data on conventional structural materials is not included in detail. Reference is made to the appropriate documents for aerospace applications.