Monday, August 30, 2010

CST Composites Produces First Airframe Tube

CST Composites an innovator in the production of filament wound composite profiles has completed production of its first airframe set for ASLI. The 156mm diameter tubing designed specifically for the Pathfinder 1B rocket by University of New South Wales (UNSW) undergraduate student Jendi Kepple, underwent a rigorous design phase including the use of software finite analysis to optimise the laminate structure. This process combined with CST’s unique ability to precisely control fibre orientation during manufacture, have resulted in an airframe significantly lighter & stronger than current commercially available products.

CST Composites is a major contributor to our program; by utilising their knowhow in advanced composites we have being able to exceed the original design goals for the Pathfinder 1B rocket, realising a much lighter & stronger airframe with increased reusability over our first generation rocket. Jamie Anderson ASLI Program Manager

The airframe set consist of a carbon/epoxy filament wound lower airframe & a glass/ epoxy filament wound payload compartment fairing, which will be used to construct the first rocket for launch by January 2011.

UNSW Student Jendi Kepple & Carbon Fiber Aiframe Winding