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At least 1,225 records · Page 68

Resin/graphite fiber composites

High temperature resin matrices suitable for use in advanced graphite fiber composites for jet engine applications were evaluated. A series of planned, sequential screening experiments with resin systems in composite form were performed to reduce the number of candidates to a single A-type polyimide resin that repetitively produced void-free, high strength and modulus composites acceptable for use in the 550 F range for 1000 hours. An optimized processing procedure was established for this system. Extensive mechanical property studies characterized this single system, at room temperature, 500 F, 550 F and 600 F, for various exposure times.

Cavano, P. J.↗

Development of lightweight graphite/polyimide sandwich panels. Phase 2: Thin gage material manufacture

Thin gage materials selected and the rationale for their basic requirements are discussed. The resin used in all prepreg manufacture is Monsanto RS-6234 polyimide. The selected fiber for core manufacture is Hercules HT-S, and the selected fiber for face sheets is Hercules HM-S. The technique for making thin gage prepreg was to wind spread carbon fiber tows into a resin film on a large drum. This technique was found to be superior to others investigated. A total of 22 pounds of 1 to 2 mil/ply prepreg was fabricated for use on the program.

Merlette, J. B.↗

Effects of thermal and environmental exposure on the mechanical properties of graphite/polyimide composites.

Composites were exposed in circulating and static air environments up to 600 F for a maximum of 1000 hours. Composites of HT-S, HM-S, Thornel 50S, and Fortafil 5-Y fiber and a new addition type polyimide resin were laminated in a matched-die mold. Flexural strength, flexural modulus, and interlaminar shear strengths were determined at 75, 500 and 600 F after various durations of exposure. Composite and fiber weight loss characteristics were determined by isothermal gravimetric analysis in air. Properties of composites exposed and tested at the environment temperatures are compared with those determined under short-term exposure. A new short beam interlaminar shear fixture is described. Environmental effects of long-term (up to one year) ambient temperature exposure on the elevated temperature mechanical properties of graphite/polyimide composites are presented.

Hanson, M. P.↗

Composite seals for liquid hydrogen and nuclear radiation environments.

Description of plastic composite seals for service in a liquid-hydrogen and nuclear-radiation environment. The radiation-resistant aromatic heterocyclic class of polymers, including polyimide, polybenzimidazole, and polyquinoxaline, were evaluated for this application. The seal developed is based on a design involving a resin-starved laminate consisting of alternating layers of woven glass fabric and polymer film. This design imparts a mechanical spring characteristic to the seal, resulting in essentially complete elastic recovery when unloaded, and eliminates cold flow. Encapsulating techniques employing the polyquinoxaline polymer were developed which rendered the seal impervious to liquid hydrogen. The seals were tested before and after gamma irradiation up to 10 to the 10th ergs/g. Load/deflection and leakage tests were performed over a temperature range from -423 through +500 F.

Van Auken, R. L.↗

Infrared radiation of thin plastic films.

A combined analytical and experimental study is presented for infrared radiation characteristics of thin plastic films with and without a metal substrate. On the basis of the thin-film analysis, a simple analytical technique is developed for determining band-averaged optical constants of thin plastic films from spectral normal transmittance data for two different film thicknesses. Specifically, the band-averaged optical constants of polyethylene terephthalate and polyimide were obtained from transmittance measurements of films with thicknesses in the range of 0.25 to 3 mil. The spectral normal reflectance and total normal emittance of the film side of singly aluminized films are calculated by use of optical constants; the results compare favorably with measured values.

Tien, C. L.↗

Contamination character of materials in space technology testing.

Determination of the nature and degree of contamination of mirrors in a vacuum environment in the presence of UV irradiation by outgases from some materials that are candidates for use inside spacecraft and simulated spacecraft environments. A vacuum apparatus was developed for testing contamination of mirrors. Offgases from heated test materials are deposited on a refrigerated mirror, half of which is UV irradiated. Reflectance is measured between 1100 and 25,000 A. Thermofit RNF-100, insulated wire TRT-24-19-V-93, and Eccofoam FS and FPH gave heavier deposits on the nonirradiated mirror. Moxness MS60 SO8, Scotch Tape Y-9050, RTV-577, RTV-41, Stycast 1090, and Epon 934 and 828 gave heavier deposits on the irradiated mirror. Raychem wire 44/0411, polyimide tape X1156, Insulgrease G-640, High Vacuum Silicone Grease, and RTV-602 gave only slight deposits on the irradiated and nonirradiated areas of the mirror.

Coulson, D. M.↗

Static and dynamic fatigue behavior of glass filament-wound pressure vessels at ambient and cryogenic temperatures.

Investigation of the pressure load carrying capacity and fatigue strength of filament-wound glass-reinforced plastic pressure vessels subjected to static and cyclic loading at ambient and cryogenic (liquid nitrogen) temperature environments. The results indicate that the static fatigue problem is not critical at cryogenic temperatures. Under static loading at liquid nitrogen temperature, a reinforced plastic cylinder sustained pressurization for 88 days without failure at about 90% of the single cycle burst strength. At ambient temperature, the static life at 90% of the burst strength was about 7 min. Under cyclic loading in liquid nitrogen, no failure resulted after 1509 cycles at 55% of the single cycle burst strength. Under the same cyclic loading at ambient temperature, the test results would predict failure in the reinforced plastic. The results of similar tests upon adhesively bonded polyimide aluminum-foil lined cylinders are also reviewed.-

Hanson, M. P.↗

Production of circular polymer-glass fabric composites

Potentially automated pultrusion technique has been provided for production of curved, glass-reinforced polyimide, epoxy, and graphite reinforced structures. Specially designed apparatus has been manufactured for production of curved structures.

Hardesty, E. E.↗

Lightweight graphite/polyimide panels

Panels are constructed of honeycombed polyimide/graphite core covered with thin face sheet of same material. Fabrication is based on extension of thin-gage graphite technology and modification of glass filament polyimide honeycomb techniques.

Poesch, J. G.↗

Development of lightweight graphite/polyimide sandwich panels, phases 3, 4 and 5

Work performed in the last three phases of the program included: (1) face sheet processing; (2) honeycomb core manufacture; (3) face sheet-to-core bonding development; and (4) sandwich panel fabrication and testing. Resin cure studies were a major portion of this effort since processing problems traced to the polyimide matrix resin had to be resolved before quality core and face sheets could be fabricated. Honeycomb core fabrication and testing were conducted by Hexcel Corporation. A total of four graphite/polyimide resin composite cores were fabricated, tested, and reported. Two sandwich panels weighing .48 and .58 lb/sq ft, respectively were designed and fabricated which meet the support structure loads for the shuttle orbiter thermal protection system.

Merlette, J. B.↗

Filament-wound composite vessels material technology

Programs are reviewed that were conducted to establish a technology base for applying advanced fibers or resins to high performance filament-wound pressure vessels for containment of cryogens and high pressure gases. Materials evaluated included boron, graphite, PRD 49-1 and 3/epoxy and S-glass/polyimide composites. Closed-end cylindrical, and oblate spheroid-shaped vessels were fabricated in 4- and 8-inch diameter sizes. Vessels were subjected to single-cycle burst, low-cycle fatigue, and sustained loading tests over a -423 F to room temperature range for epoxy composites and a -423 to 500 F temperature range for the polyimide composites. Vessels tested at cryogenic and/or 500 F had thin (3 to 20 mils) metallic liners whereas vessels tested at room temperature had elastomeric liners. Correlations between acoustic emissions and burst and cyclic properties of PRD 49-1 filament-wound vessels are discussed.

Lark, R. F.↗

High temperature solid lubricants: When and where to use them

The state of the art of solid lubrication for moderate to extremely high temperature lubrication (to 1600 F) is reviewed. Lubricating characteristics, stability in various environments, and relevant machine design considerations are discussed. Lubricating materials discussed include the layer lattice compounds: MoS2, WS2, graphite and graphite fluoride, the high temperature polyimide polymer, and calcium fluoride based coating and composites. The scope of the information includes results from wear testers, ball bearing, and journal bearings.

Sliney, H. E.↗

Thermal design of composite material high temperature attachments

An evaluation has been made of the thermal aspects of utilizing advanced filamentary composite materials as primary structures on the shuttle vehicle. The technical objectives of this study are to: (1) establish and design concepts for maintaining material temperatures within allowable limits at TPS attachments and or penetrations applicable to the space shuttle; and (2) verify the thermal design analysis by testing selected concepts. Specific composite materials being evaluated are boron epoxy, graphite/epoxy, boron polyimide, and boron aluminum; graphite/polyimide has been added to this list for property data identification and preliminary evaluation of thermal design problems. The TPS standoff to composite structure attachment over-temperature problem is directly related to TPS maximum surface temperature. To provide a thermally comprehensive evaluation of attachment temperature characteristics, maximum surface temperatures of 900 F, 1200 F, 1800 F, 2500 F and 3000 F are considered in this study. This range of surface temperatures and the high and low maximum temperature capability of the selected composite materials will result in a wide range of thermal requirements for composite/TPS standoff attachments.

Source record↗

Development of advanced material composites for use as internal insulation for LH2 tanks (gas layer concept)

A program is described that was conducted to develop an internal insulation system for potential application to the liquid hydrogen tanks of a reusable booster, where the tanks would be subjected to repeated high temperatures. The design of the internal insulation is based on a unique gas layer concept, in which capillary or surface tension effects are used to maintain a stable gas layer, within a cellular core structure, between the tank wall and the contained liquid hydrogen. Specific objectives were to select materials for insulation systems that would be compatible with wall temperatures of 350 F and 650 F during reentry into the earth's atmosphere, and to fabricate and test insulation systems under conditions simulating the operating environment. A materials test program was conducted to evaluate the properties of candidate materials at elevated temperatures and at the temperature of liquid hydrogen, and to determine the compatibility of the materials with a hydrogen atmosphere at the appropriate elevated temperature. The materials that were finally selected included Kapton polyimide films, silicone adhesives, fiber glass batting, and in the case of the 350 F system, Teflon film.

Gille, J. P.↗

NERVA turbopump bearing retainer fabrication on nonmetallic retainer

The need for a low-wear, lightweight, high strength bearing retainer material with a radiation degradation threshold of 10 to the 9th power rads (C) prompted development of nonmetallic reinforced polymers of the following types: (1) polybenzimidazole, (2) polyimide, and (3) polyquinoxaline. Retainers were machined from tubular laminates (billets), including reinforcement by either glass or graphite fabric or filament. Fabrication of billets involves hot preimpregnation of the reinforcement fabric or filament with polymer followed by wrapping this prepreg over a heated mandrel to form a tube with the required thickness and length.

Accinelli, J. B.↗

Material and structural studies of metal and polymer matrix composites

Fiber-reinforced composites and design analysis methods for these materials are being developed because of the vast potential of composites for decreasing weight and/or increasing use temperature capability in aerospace systems. These composites have potential for use in airbreathing engine components as well as aeronautical and space vehicle structures. Refractory wire-superalloy composites for use up to 2200 F or more and metal-matrix composites for lower temperature applications such as aerospace structures and turbojet fan and compressor blades are under investigation and are discussed. The development of a number of resin systems, including the polyimides and polyphenylquinoxalines, is described and their potential for use at temperatures approaching 315 C (600 F) is indicated. Various molecular modifications that improve processability and/or increase thermal and oxidative resistance of the resins are also described. Structural analysis methods are discussed for determining the stresses and deformations in complex composite systems. Consideration is also given to residual stresses resulting from the curing process and to the foreign object damage problem in fan blade applications.

Signorelli, R. A.↗

The atomic nature of polymer-metal interactions in adhesion, friction and wear

Adhesion experiments with polytetra-fluoroethylene (PTFE) and polyimide contacting tungsten indicate that the polymers bond chemically to the clean metal surface. Polymer chain fragments which transfer to the surface of tungsten in field ion microscopy adhesion studies are highly oriented. Auger emission spectroscopy of PTFE transfer films to various metal surfaces indicates that the PTFE is bonded to the metal surface via the carbon atom. With PTFE in sliding contact with different orientations of aluminum, metal orientation is found to influence surfaces in sliding. The lowest friction and least amount of surface damage is detected on the highest atomic density (111) plane. The friction process itself can initiate polymer film formation from simple organic molecules.

Buckley, D. H.↗