Carbon Fiber References

[mrtoast]

Our team has done carbon fiber related components for about 3 years and last year we ran a monocoque. We've recently had problems with delamination at the suspension points and the chassis came out heavier than expected.

We would like to explore alternative layup methods and we are trying to find related literature.

If anyone has experience with carbon fiber composites, what references materials have you used?

The ideal reference would be a textbook style on woven fabrication methods, but I'm struggling to find such a book.

[Menisk]

Rather than reading what someone's written in a book another good option is to have a look for a place close to you that does manufacture of composite components. Talk to them, ask them how they go about doing things and what they've found to be the advantages and disadvantages of different methods. They deal with this stuff every day and produce it commercially, so they know what works and what's shit. If you're lucky maybe you can also swindle a sponsorship deal and save yourself some budget too.

[Radii]

Four really good reads for getting your mind around Composite Manufacturing techniques, and not necessarily laminate theory:

Fundamentals of Composites Manufacturing by A. Brent Strong
Composite Materials Fabrication Handbook #1-3 by John Wanberg
Advanced Composite Techniques by Zeke Smith
The Handbook of Sandwich Construction by D. Zenkert

Brent gives a great overview of many different techniques with explanations for why certain types of processing are used for some parts, while others are different. (First year composites)

Wanberg's great for all of the high-res pictures he uses and sources for his materials. Definitely "budget" manufacturing as most of what he does does not use CNC molds, or CAD/CAM. Some interesting techniques using trapped silicone that is starting to show up in production a la Swift front wing manufacturing. (Second year composites)

Smith is based on OOA construction techniques most applicable to the home aircraft builders, not a lot of pictures but a good step by step explanation of most bagging techniques.(Third year composites)

Zenkert is a must have for composites engineers IMHO, gives good maths behind laminate theory, common practice for different types of sandwich's, as well as testing methods that are applicable to characterization. (Fourth year composites)

Good Luck!