Quick load calculations on rigging and mast step

Fibre Type Comparison

Comparing the properties of all the fibre types with other, shows they all have distinct advantages and disadvantages. This makes different fibre types more suitable for some applications than others. The following table provides a basic comparison between the main desirable features of gernric fibre types. 'A' indicates a feature where the fibre scores well and 'C' indicates whwre the fibre is not so good.

Property Aramid Carbon Glass

High Tensile Strength B A B
High Tensile Modulus B A C
High Compressive Strength C A B
High Compressive Modulus B A C
High Flexural Strength C A B
High Flexural Modulus B A C
High Impact Strenght A C B
High Interlaminar Shear Strenght B A A
High In-Plane Shear Strenght B A A
Low density A B C
High Fatigue Resistance B A C
High Fire Resistance A C A
High Thermal Insulation A C B
High Electrical Insulation B C A
Low Thermal Expansion A A A
Low Cost C C A

Other Fibres

There are a variety of other fibres which can be used in advanced composites structures but their use is not wide spread.

Polyester

A low density, high tencity fibre with good impact resistance but low modulus. It's lack of stifness usually precludes it from inclusion in a composite component, but it is useful where low weight, high impact or abrasion resistance, and low cost are required. It is mainly used as a surfacing material, as it can be very smooth, keeps weight down and works well with most resin types.

My sourse for this information is the Gurit/SP Systems CD, or from their web site http://www.gurit.com/

I hope it is understandable, I couldn't get the ratings to line up.