What is a `composite bow?
A. A bow made from laminations of different types of wood. Using this manufacturing technique allows a balance between the different properties of the different woods and, hopefully, a longer service life and better cast (arrow-throwing ability). When a laminated bow is drawn, energy is stored as shear forces in the glue, as well as in tension forces in the wood. Because the glue is more elastic than wood, storing energy this way is more efficient and less destructive. The more laminations that are used, the greater the gain in effeciency and durability. Good quality longbows tend to have three laminations — a `back’, a `centre’, and a `belly’.
