Composites
A collection of resources for GCSE Design and Technology that support the teaching of different composites.
Technical textiles: composites
Inspired by space technology, this resource provides slides, discussion activities and experiments to help increase student understanding of composites. The composites it focuses on are glass reinforced plastic, carbon fibre, concrete, wood and textile laminates.
Senior composites engineer
This video introduces Paul, a senior composites engineer for Lola Cars International. Paul explains his role in designing the structures that are made of carbon fibre for race cars such as the one featured in the video. He discusses the love of engineering he had when he was younger and how his maths, physics and design skills were used when studying aerospace engineering at university.
Composites: Designing Materials for the Future
Composites are made by physically combining two or more materials. Many composite materials are used to provide strength and rigidity while using thinner, lighter components. However, they are also being developed for their ability to provide specific combinations of properties and functions, not simply for their mechanical properties. The booklet provides an overview of some of the types, properties and uses of composite materials, linking classroom activities to real-life applications.
Using carbon fibre to create a Boeing 787
This video from Boeing looks at the use of carbon fibre to create the Boeing 787 fuselage. It shows the layup of carbon fibre tape on the curve of the aircraft, the heating of the fuselage in an industrial oven and a brief overview of the difference that composites like carbon fibre are making to the manufacture of aircraft.
What is a composite?
This video, produced by Arkema Group, provides an overview of composites. It looks at the structure of a simple composite, typical uses of composite materials and the advantages that using these composite materials can bring to properties such as strength, weight, etc.
NASA 360 - Composite Materials
This video, produced by NASA, provides a great context for learning about different types of composite materials and their uses. Focusing on spaceflight, the video demonstrates how different composites are used to increase the performance of different parts of space craft and space related technology.
Choosing the right composite material
Taking inspiration from the Born to Engineer video from Nina Parsons, a young engineer who has combined her love of motorsport with a career in composite design, this resource supports students to increase their understanding of composites in a motorsport setting. Students will learn about different composites, with a specific focus on carbon fibre, Glass Reinforced Polyester (GRP), Kevlar and concrete, and perform compression and load tests on a sample of chocolate composites.
