BIOGRAPHY:
COMPOSITE MATERIALS PREREQUISITES:
Prerequisites
We will discuss the contents of the Merit Badge pamphlet, and it is essential that you read the pamphlet before coming to class. Come to class prepared to discuss what you have learned.
1.a. & 1.b. We will use the MSDS that you bring to class to meet these requirements (see requirements 3.a. & 3.b.).
2.a. I will provide a presentation and lead a discussion.
2.b. Review the similarities and differences among the materials listed in chapter 3, "Why Use Composites". We will discuss and use this information to meet this requirement.
3. Be prepared to discuss how composites are made.
3.a. Research information on three different composite reinforcements including their positive and negative characteristics and their uses. Obtain the Material Safety Date Sheets (MSDS) for all three and bring them to class so that we can discuss them and their toxicity, disposal, and safe handling
characteristics. (Note that MSDS are readily available for most materials on the Web.)
3.b. Research information on three different resins used in composites including their positive and negative characteristics and their uses. Obtain the Material Safety Date Sheets (MSDS) for all three and bring them to class so that we can discuss them and their toxicity, disposal, and safe handling characteristics.
3.c. Come to class prepared to discuss a new application for each of the three resins from requirement 3.b. that might be worth developing, and your reasons why.
4.a. After we complete this class, depending on your availability, within a few weeks I will arrange for the class to visit a company that uses composites. (You will have to make your own arrangements for transportation, and parents’ permission is required.) In case this doesn’t work out, requirement 4.b. will suffice for the merit badge.
4.b. Identify three composites-related Web sites and come to class prepared to discuss them. Send the address of each of these sites to me at this e-mail address (no later than Friday night 10/19), and I will download copies so you can discuss them in class. (Don’t plan on having internet access in the classroom.)
5.a., b. & c. In order to satisfy this requirement you must complete 2 projects. We will have time to complete only one while we are together. I plan to have you fabricate an item using a simple mold.
For the second project you have two options: (1) if completed before the 20th, please take pictures of the process you used, obtain the MSDS for the materials you require, and bring the project in if possible. Contact me via this email address and we will set evaluation criteria, and decide when and where we can do the evaluation of the final product (5.b and 5.c); or (2) if not completed by the 20th, please bring your ideas, (or send them to me in advance, if available). I will review and approve your proposed project, and we will determine evaluation criteria. We will set a time and place to conduct the project, and after completion we will evaluate it and I will sign off the merit badge requirement.
6. Find out about three career opportunities in composite materials, and for one of them research the education, training, and experience required for this profession. Be prepared to discuss this in class.
Very Important! During our discussions we will be stressing the safety requirements to use these materials. Since you will be doing the second projects separately, it is essential to ensure that the materials required for your second project are included in our discussion of material handling procedures. While working on your second project you must work with a responsible adult. If someone is not available, we will discuss other options during class.