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Below is the Advanced Composite Foundations syllabus detailing the learning outcomes for course.

 

During this 5 day hands-on course you will:​

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Theoretical 

• Learn what composites are and their applications

  • A little history lesson in composites

  • Understand what a advanced composite is

  • Understand why composites are so critical in the aerospace/aviaiton industry

  • Understand advanced composites applications on aircraft

• Learn the basics of advanced composites fiber reinforcements

  • Understanding fiber reinforcements individual strengths and weaknesses (ex. carbon, aramid, fibreglass, etc.)

  • Understanding which, when and how to use fiber reinforcement.

  • Understanding fiber terms like "warp, weft and salvage"​

  • Understanding fiber orientation and learning how to read a "warp clock"

  • Understand basic advanced composite laminate design

• Learn the basics of composite matrix systems

  • Understanding matrix systems individual strengths and weaknesses (ex. epoxies, vinyl-esters, phenolics, etc.)

  • Understanding which, when and how to use matrix systems

  • Understand mix ratios

  • Learn how to mix and apply matrix systems correctly

  • Understanding cure times and how environmental conditions affect them

  • Understanding elevated temperature cures and the results

  • Understand the hazards of working with various matrix systems

• Learn the basics of core materials

  • Understand ​the different kinds of core materials, their strengths and applications

  • Understand core or ribbon direction

  • Learn how to correctly cut core materials

  • Learn the difference between co-bonding and co-curing to core materials

• Learn how to use solvents

  • Learn which solvents are used for advanced composites and when to use them​

  • Understand the hazards of working with solvents

  • Learn to protect yourself when woking with solvents

  • Learn how to store solvents correctly

  • Learn how to use solvents correctly

• Learn the importance of shop and process cleanliness

  • Learn what "contaminates/inclusions" are

  • Learn why contaminates in your composite structure are detrimental to the end product.

  • Learn the importance of "clean rooms" and how to set one up 

• Learn basic vacuum bagging

  • Understand vacuum bagging materials and "stack ups"

  • Learn how to construct a simple vacuum bag and special considerations​

  • Learn how to perform a vacuum bag leak check

  • How to apply vacuum to a hands-on project for curing of a composite part

• Learn to "layup" an advanced composite laminates

  • Understand shop layout and required "environmental" needs

  • Learn to develop a layup procedure for cure completion

  • Understand why we perform "dry runs" before actual layup of project

  • Learn how to layout and cut composite materials

  • Learn how to create a "wet prepreg"

  • Learn how to laminate your project and prevent "voids" in laminates

  • Learn how to safely and accurately trim/drill cured composite laminates

  • Learn techniques to safely handle and store composite parts

• Learn the basics of laminate and sandwich panel repair

  • Understand basic damage inspection​

  • Learn the basics of damage removal

  • Learn basic advanced composite repair design

  • Learn basic advanced composite repair processes

• Learn composite safety

  • Understand SDS - Safety Data Sheets

  • Understand the dangers​ of working with composite materials

  • Understand what "Sensitization" (allergic reactions) is and how to identify it

  • Learn what PPE - Personal Protective Equipment is, when & how to use it

  • Learn and apply safe work procedures with composites

 

Practical Hands-on​ Project

• Create a sandwich panel project that locks in foundational knowledge learned during course using carbon fiber, kevlar, fiberglass, foam core and epoxy

• Create a simple vacuum bag system to complete the cure of your project.

• Perform a simple repair to the sandwich panel project

Upon Completion will have​

• A beginners understanding of the theory behind advanced composite structures design and construction

• Acquired an entry level, hands-on, skill set to work with advanced composites

• Have the required understanding and skills to move to the next step and further courses

• Learned through an open and fun learning environment

• Certificate of completion​​

 

Basic safety equipment will be supplied such as: dust mask, safety glasses, disposable gloves. Must bring disposable painters coveralls/apron (chemical resistant).