I have a difficult time reconciling conflicting views on the
strength of composite structures, especially when it comes to
serviceability over a wide range of temperatures.

I have personally risked my life getting on an airliner in 100F
temps of Dallas, and within minutes found myself riding in
comfort at flight level 30 where the temperature must have been
well below zero, and I am here to tell about it.

In contrast, I have experience having a small dry stick easily
punch a hole through the cowl of my snowmobile at -30F.
The composite cowl was so brittle that the event was hardly
noticeable (and snowmobiles are designed to be operated at
subzero temperatures)
What am I misssing here?


Robin Berglund

There are composites and then there are composites. The devil is in
the details.

You better quit flying because when the B787 hits the airlines
you won't have much choice. The 777 already has a lot of composite
parts not to mention Airbus.

Paul Lamar