A modern composite materials laboratory is being developed by Embry- Riddle University with the recent acquisition of a scanning electron microscope, an induction furnace and a data acquisition system. With this facility, students in aeronautical engineering are able to fabricate composite materials and structures to meet temperature and other standards common in industry. Students test the materials and structures to determine their behavior and capabilities. The data acquisition system is being used to monitor test results and collect data to develop stress/strain curves, S-N curves (stress against number of cycles) and perform statistical analyses on the uniformity of composite materials. Analyses of test samples at high magnification determine bonding mechanisms, microstructure, fracture mechanics and failure modes. Through these experiences, aeronautical engineering students are being prepared to undertake state-of-the-art work in industry and/or to enter advanced research programs.
