ATAD, LLC.

Composite Construction for Beginners

This book discusses various topics of composites including specific techniques
and processes for the use of several approaches to composite construction.
Several case studies illustrating practical application of specific processes and
techniques are also provided. Chapter 2; State of the Art of Composites, describes
many of the common materials and tools used during the construction of composite parts
and tools. Chapter 3; Project Planning, is provided to help prepare the reader for
setting up their project for success by planning for all the needed tool, materials,
and support requirements. Chapter 4; Procuring Materials, provides a table of materials
and tools, including some common sources and prices for the items listed. Some safety
precautions and warnings for working with composites are provided in Chapter 5. The foundation
for general composite techniques, terminology, and processes are discussed in Chapter 6.
Beginning in Chapter 7, a step-by-step case study walks the reader through one way of
building a 1/5th scale composite wing. The process selected for this example is a molded
composite wing using a plug to mold process before creating the desired wing panels.
The process for building a moldless design is nearly the same as the plug portion of
these instructions with the exception of the level of detail to the plug. For a moldless
wing project, much more attention to weight and initial dimensional correctness of the core is required.