Proceedings of the DoD Workshop on the Manufacturing/Producibility of Organic Matrix Composites Held in Arlington, Virginia on 12-14 April 1988

Abstract

Abstract : This document summarizes the findings of a 1988 DoD Workshop concerned with enhancing the production of organic matrix composites (OMCs) for use in the aerospace industry. Present barriers to the greater use of these performance-enhancing structural materials are dominated by a reliance on expensive, labor-intensive manufacturing methods. Higher costs associated with OMCs relative to conventional aluminum alloys were also traced to conservative design approaches (taking inadequate advantage of superior OMC properties), the lack of standardization for materials, processing and testing, a lack of domestically sourced raw materials or precursors, and tooling and capital equipment technology inadequate for high rate production. Recommendations for changing the present situation are given which would affect all stages of the design and manufacturing process for OMCs. These include new design philosophies and worker training programs redirected for greater acceptance of OMCs, continued development of both raw materials and processing techniques with automation in mind, standardization of appropriate aspects of the technology, and increased use of computer aided manufacturing and tooling appropriate for automation. The steps required for implementing most of these recommendations are discussed in greater detail.