Well, is it Warp or is it Weft?

Warp! Oh yeah, that’s when Captain Kirk tells the Helmsman…No! Not Star Trek, the Warp (or, is it called woof?) is the X direction, wait-a-minute; I mean it’s the Y-direction and represents the fill…ahhhh, I give up! That’s funny, because I’ve been there countless times and I’m sure that others can relate to confronting at least once in their careers the conundrum: Is the weave direction in the warp or in the weft? This article was inspired by my latest research activity that left me, once again, contemplating the orientation of warp and weft. So, what a better way to end this madness by addressing the seemingly frustrating conundrum on the blogosphere.

Well, according to Wikipedia warp and weft are defined as follows: In weaving, weft or woof is the yarn which is drawn under and over parallel warp yarns to create a fabric. In North America, it is sometimes referred to as the “fill” or the “filling yarn”. According to Volume 1 of the Engineering Materials handbook (that big Orange Tome), Warp and Weft are defined as follows:

Warp: The yarn running lengthwise in a woven fabric. A group of yarns in long lengths and approximately parallel.

Weft: The transverse threads or fibers in a woven fabric.

So, after careful thought, and countless hours of deliberation, I came up with an aphorism that helps me (and maybe you) in remembering the warp from the weft.

Y for WARP; X for WEFT

That’s it! No ryme or reason. Just remember that the Y-axis represents the long axis of the fabric roll; aka, the machine direction. The X-axis represents the width of the fabric roll. Engineers should be aware of the importance of warp and weft because fabric weight; thickness and fiber breaking strength are proportional to the number and types of warp and weft yarns used. Figure 1 below shows an example of warp and weft.

Expanding your composite acumen can be rewarding in many ways. To gain that coveted composite education (assuming you haven’t already received one), can be quite challenging. Working while attending a brick-and-mortar institution can be problematic on many levels; therefore, you will most likely seek the assistance of online programs to accomplish your educational goal. I for one found myself in a similar situation; however, in my case none of the local academic institutions offered any composite courses. So, I naturally began searching for a “quality” composite-based online program. Having searched for some time, I found two composite specific programs,  one of which I attended and in my opnion warrants your consideration: when and if you decide to augment your educational pedigree.

Below, are the two schools that offer the necessary convenience and quality of education that will yield a successful experience. I objectively evaluated the programs based on my personal experience; the programs quality based on the information provided by their websites, as well as ease of accessibility and availability. Now, I’m sure that I probably overlooked other schools that offer similar programs; if so, please feel free to share them with my readers. At the very least it will provide additional choices for the reader to explore. The two schools that offer first rate composite-centric educations are:

The University of Delaware

This would be my first choice if deciding between the two schools listed. A well organized and reputable program that offers an advanced composite certification; it’s one of the few certifications of its kind. The program is supported by superior instruction; notably, a professor by the name of Dr. Jack Vinson(whom I had the pleasure of taking two courses with), is one of the pedagogical leaders in the field of composites (in my humble opinion). For those of you who can’t attend the course on campus, the University of Delaware offers a Distant Learner’s program. For additional details go to their Composite Certification Program. Now, I know what your thinking, it’s online: how good can that program really be? Well, actually, it’s an academically intensive program. You will have homework; you will take a mid-term and a final exam. The exams are proctored by a sanctioned testing center in your local area. You will be subjected to the same criteria and expectations as any other student would receive attending the class on campus. So, I admonish those who think this is going to be a cake-walk. In fact, think carefully before committing to this endeavor. The homework and lectures can (and usually do) consume a lot of your personal time. You will need to study hard, and most of all you will lose your precious weekends.

The only criticism I have relates to the lecture medium used and date the lectures were recorded. The instructional aids were antiquated and the lectures were recorded back 5 years from the date of this blog posting. In fact, the medium used in one of the courses were VCR tapes. Yet, despite the educational mediumsissues, overall I found the course to be highly beneficial and worth my time. The classes did what they were intended to do: teach me about composite theory and analysis. Oh, and I was able to put my new composite knowledge to work immediately. Bottom line: I highly recommend the Composite Certification program for those of you who are interested in receiving credit for the work. The UofD Composite Certification program gets my first choice honers and a high recommendation.

The University of Washington

The University of Washington’s Aircraft Composite Structural Analysis and Design certification program is an excellent program: if you are eligible (I’ll explain in a moment). A three-course sequence, the program covers a variety of topics ranging from micro and macro mechanical theory; Inspection and repair; manufacturing processes; Laminate analysis methods; analysis of bolted joints and more. For more information about this program, click here. Unfortunately, this program is restricted to only Boeing employee’s, or their affiliates. Moreover, the program is not available online; so, you would have to take the course on site, and I am certain that, for most of you, this isn’t a practical option. UW does offer online composite courses, but no certification program. To learn more about these courses read about their EDGE program. To access information about the online composite courses click here. According to their website, fees are currently at $620 per credit. That’s not bad considering the education that your receiving. I know nothing about the instructors, but recommend the EDGE program based solely on the number of courses available. I attempted to get additional information regarding the program and any future plans to grant access to the program for those of us not associated with Boeing or its affiliates. However, the administrator that I contacted never responded to my inquiry. Not sure why, but hopefully if you inquire, you will be bit more successful in your inquiry.

Here is the latest addition to ABD matrix. This blog offers everything and anything composites. I encourage your thoughts or opinions by posting; so, do not hesitate an post today!