The purpose of Group 15’s project is to pick a manufacturing process for a composite part. Thus, the selection is not a specific design but rather a plan on how to choose the optimum process. The group is researching different methods and materials continuously to be more informed. A summary of basic research can be found in the “Manufacturing Research” section (included). This section is a living document that will be updated as research continues and decisions are made.

Group 15 has narrowed down the world of composites and decided to focus on four main areas; reinforcing material, resin, bonding process, and curing. The possibilities for each area as follows:

· Reinforcing material

o Glass Fiber

o Carbon Fiber

o Glass Fiber

· Resin

o Polyester

o Epoxy

o Vinyl ester

· Bonding Process

o Resin Transfer

o Contact Molding

o Vacuum Bag

· Curing

o Autoclave

o Room Temperature

With research, the group will combine the best of these areas to create four fuselages. These will be tested with a drop test at different angles and velocities to simulate different landing and crashing situations. These models and their performance will be compared to expected properties in order to narrow the field. Any unusable design will be removed at this time. The group will then rebuild and test practical design to ensure consistency. A selection will be made from information gathered from these constructions and test. After a selection is made the group will get quotes from manufacturers on small-scale to large-scale production of this fuselage.