Fabrication of structural elements

Abstract

The laminate fabrication procedures and quality assurance ultrasonic C-scan results used for structural elements are described. These procedures are the result of processing eleven lots of graphite/PMR-15 prepreg tape materials and two lots of graphite/NR-150B2. Early processing difficulties with NR-150B2 composites were corrected, permitting the fabrication of quality specimens from either of the two currently prescribed matrix materials. The quality of all deliverable specimens is measured by the control of fiber content, glass transition temperature, and void content, as well as laminate ultrasonic C-scan data.