While many products analyzed by MDC employ isotropic materials such as metals or plastics, more challenging designs often leverage advanced composite materials. Composite materials are utilized for their superior specific strength and stiffness, as well as their durability, longevity and ability to dampen vibration and absorb impact. Composites have the additional advantage that their mechanical properties can be tailored to specific applications, providing a broad range of directional stiffness (or flexibility), thermal expansion and conductivity. MDC has the know-how and experience to implement these materials in design projects using commercial software, custom codes and predictive models.

For traditional composite applications such as air, space or naval vehicles, the MDC staff has experience with several fiber types (graphite, Kevlar, glass, etc.), fabric forms (unidirectional prepreg, woven, random chopped, etc.), and manufacturing methods (autoclave, compression and injection molding, wet-layup, etc.). This knowledge-base allows MDC to determine the best solution for a given application. Recent projects have included Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) design and creation of a predictive durability code for aerospace composites. MDC engineers have also investigated ceramic and metal matrix composites (CMC and MMC's), nano-reinforcements, smart structures, active fiber composites and a broad range of piezoelectric devices.

MDC has been an industry leader in the introduction of composite materials into non-traditional applications. As manufacturers compete to produce more cost-effective products, composite materials become critical for optimal designs. While the raw material cost of composites often exceeds that of wood, concrete, plastic or metals, the flow down cost savings can be substantial. Quicker production times and subsequent time-to-market, lower shipping volumes and weights, and a reduction in integration and installation resource burden can offset initial costs to provide substantial profit margins.

• Wasp UAV Design