Title: New product and process development methods as applied to polymer matrix composites: a perspective influenced by a JTEC study

Authors: Vistasp M. Karbhari

Addresses: Department of Applied Mechanics and Engineering Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA

Abstract: In an effort to expand the applications for polymer composite structures, a panel was convened to evaluate the status and outlook for manufacturing technology in the USA and Japan, with an eye to finding or developing mechanisms of cooperation. A 10-person team visited approximately 20 Japanese organizations over a 10-day period in December 1992. This paper addresses the general topic of the product realization process with emphasis on examples gleaned from the visit and from research on Japanese Industrial practices. The paper presents a glimpse of developments in Japan while simultaneously exploring the product/process realization process as applicable to the manufacturing of polymer matrix composites.

Keywords: 3D woven composites; new process development; new product development; NPD; polymer matrix composites; Tow Sheet; Japan; USA; United States.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMPT.1995.036439

International Journal of Materials and Product Technology, 1995 Vol.10 No.1/2, pp.46 - 84

Published online: 03 Nov 2010 *

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