SAMPE will be sponsoring the Advanced Materials and Processing Track at COMPOSITES 2005 by offering three tutorials available throughout the week at no extra charge to conference registrants. COMPOSITES 2005 will be held September 28-30, 2005 in Columbus, Ohio. The tutorials being offered are listed below. Interested in attending these tutorials and MANY more educational and networking opportunities at COMPOSITES? Register today at www.acmashow.org.

Introduction to Advanced Composite Materials

This overview of high performance composites will give participants insight into properties, performance, and applications of advanced materials. The target participants include designers, M&P engineers, shop personnel, technicians, students, managers, and sales and business development specialists. The topics to be addressed are: defining types of composites; advanced composites applications; means for achieving high performance with composites; fiber reinforcements for both routine and exotic applications; resin matrix materials for moderate and extreme environments; composite limitations and methods of overcoming them.

Linda Clements, Ph.D., 2Phase Technologies

Advanced Composite Structures: Fabrication and Manufacturing Processes

A comprehensive overview of the advantages offered by composite materials and the techniques used to manufacture structures, with an emphasis on advanced composites. Highlighted is a discussion of why composite materials are finding increased use in both commercial and aerospace applications. An overview of advanced composites production methods includes; filament winding, vacuum bagging, hand lay-up, pultrusion, resin transfer molding, compression molding, thermoforming, and various hybrid processes. Topic areas include: what processes and applications best fit together; "how-to" manufacturing logic with composites; what composite materials work best and when; Selection criteria for choosing resins and fibers; discussion of auxiliary equipment for processing; open forum for questions.

James Leslie, Ph.D., Advanced Composite Products & Technology

Test Methods for Composite Materials

This session is an introduction to test methods for composites materials. The discussion emphasis is on establishing the selection of a proper and meaningful test method for each specific application. Although some test methods have been standardized, others have evolved as 'company standards' in recent years. Since composite materials characterization and testing can often be expensive, choosing the appropriate test method and conducting the test properly is important. This tutorial summarizes test methods and discusses the critical issues that are important to the composite end user. Topics include: test methods for specific applications; standard test methods - ASTM, SACMA, ISO, SAE; non-standard test methods discussion; what composite properties are of interest; tests for sandwich structures vs. laminates; tests for random fiber, CSM, and unidirectional composites; tensile, compressive, shear, flexural, and other properties; special problems associated with composites exposure to fuels, temperature, water, and long term durability.

Donald Adams, Ph.D., Wyoming Test Fixtures