3. Composites

More than any other homogeneous and isotropic material, composites require a close integration of knowledge relating to the constituent materials, the study of manufacturing processes and the mechanical performance of the resulting parts. Although the properties of composites are mainly determined by those of their constituents, experience has shown that the way they are made has a significant influence on their level of performance, and in particular :

• by the generation of defects that alter the characteristics of the part (porosities, internal stresses, microcracking, interfacial decohesions, appearance defects, etc.);

• by modifying properties defined during the design phase of the composite part (fiber orientation and distribution, resin cure state, creation of fiber/matrix interphases during processing,...