Join

ASC 1998 Conference – 13th Annual Technical Conference in Baltimore

By Navid Zobeiry, Communications Editor, American Society for Composites, Last updated: May 12, 2025

The 13th Annual Technical Conference of the American Society for Composites was held from September 21–23, 1998, in Baltimore, Maryland. The conference was chaired by Prof. Anthony J. Vizzini of the University of Maryland.

A total of 145 technical papers were presented across 40 technical sessions, with broad coverage including mechanics, damage detection, fatigue, multifunctional composites, sensors, and advanced manufacturing. The event featured a strong industry and defense presence, with active participation from NASA, NIST, U.S. Army, and General Motors, among others.

Program Highlights

  • Opening Keynote: John Langford (President, Aurora Flight Sciences) — "Exploring the Stratosphere with Composite Aircraft"
  • Special Sessions: Resin transfer molding (RTM), multifunctional composites, composite armor, fatigue modeling, and environmental degradation
  • DoD and NASA Presence: AFRL, ONR, Army Research Lab, and NASA Langley contributed key sessions on materials for space and defense

For more details, you can access the full program and attendee list below:

ASC 1998 award recipients

1998 Technomic Award Winner Jack R. Vinson and ASC Award Winner Tsu-Wei Chou flank newly elected ASC Fellow C. T. Sun at the 13th Technical Conference.

Awards and Recognitions

  • ASC Distinguished Research Award: Dr. Tsu-Wei Chou, University of Delaware
  • Technomic Award: Dr. Jack R. Vinson, University of Delaware
  • ASC Fellow: Prof. C. T. Sun, Purdue University

The 1998 event marked the second consecutive year in which both major awards were presented to faculty from the same institution, following Stanford's dual recognition in 1997.

Notable Themes

  • Advanced processing techniques including RTM, automated tow placement, and microwave curing
  • Fatigue, failure, and damage tolerance in composite laminates
  • Sensor integration and multifunctional monitoring in smart composites
  • Micromechanics, thermal management, and environmental durability
  • Ballistic performance and high-strain-rate response for defense applications

Attendee Snapshot

The conference brought together a diverse group of attendees from academia, government labs, and industry across the U.S., Europe, and Asia. Institutions represented included:

  • University of Delaware, Virginia Tech, UCLA, Georgia Tech, Purdue, MIT, Johns Hopkins, and many others
  • NASA, NIST, U.S. Army Research Lab, ONR, and AFRL
  • Global participants from Japan, Sweden, Italy, Germany, Canada, and the UK

Organizing Committee

  • Conference Chair: Prof. Anthony J. Vizzini (University of Maryland)

References

  1. Proceedings of the 13th Technical Conference of the American Society for Composites, Baltimore, MD, 1998.
  2. ASC 1998 Conference Program
  3. ASC 1998 Attendee List