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At least 1,531 records · Page 85

Sub-T/g/ annealing studies of advanced epoxy-matrix graphite-fiber-reinforced composites

Annealing at temperatures below the glass transition temperature (sub-T/g/ annealing) in structural epoxy network glasses is found to affect long-term mechanical properties of symmetrically (+ or - 45 deg) reinforced 16-lamina graphite/epoxy composites. Post-cured specimens of Thornel 300 graphite/Narmco 5208 epoxy are sub-T(g) annealed at 140 C for about 10, 100, 1000, 10,000, and 100,000 min with a prior quenching above T(g). The ultimate tensile strength, strain-to-break, and static toughness of the composite materials are found to decrease as a function of sub-T(g) annealing time, while no weight loss is observed. Time-dependent changes in properties are explained by a physical aging concept based on free-volume decreases in the nonequilibrium glassy state of network epoxies, and results imply that changes in composite properties may occur with the service time.

Kong, E. S. W.↗

Effects of thermal cycling on residual mechanical properties of C6000/PMR-15 graphite polyimide

An experimental study to determine the effects of thermal cycling on residual mechanical properties of a graphite/polyimide composite has been conducted. Interlaminar shear, flexure and compression strengths were measured at room temperature and 316 C on unidirectional and quasi-isotropic laminates subjected to 150 and 500 thermal cycles between -156 C and 316 C. Thermal cycling produced transverse microcracks and delaminations in the laminates. The linear density of the microcracks (35/cm) was about the same after 150 and 500 cycles. Although the crack density did not change from 150 to 500 cycles, crack growth did occur with intralamina cracks growing into adjacent lamina. The matrix controlled properties of the quasi-isotropic laminate at both room temperature and 316 C were significantly reduced by thermal cycling. However, the properties of the unidirectional laminate were significantly reduced only at 316 C.

Tompkins, S. S.↗

Application of a gripping system to test a uniaxial graphite fiber reinforced composite /PMR 15/Celion 6000/ in tension at 316 C

A gripping system has been developed to test uniaxial, 0 deg orientation PMR 15/Celion 6000 composites at elevated temperatures. The method involves compression of grit-blasted laminate between grit-blasted metal to give a non-slipping interface for load transfer. Tensile testing at both 316 C and room temperature indicated that deformation was elastic to fracture and that the variation in tensile properties for one laminate is the same as that for several panels. In addition, the tensile properties for uniaxial PMR 15/Celion 6000 are identical at 316 C and room temperature. For nominally 51 volume percent fiber, the elastic modulus is 119.6 GPa, the fracture stress is 1370 MPa, and the strain to fracture is about 1.15 percent. In addition, data are presented which indicate that the gripping system can be used for long term, elevated temperature testing of composite materials.

Whittenberger, J. D.↗

Effect of Ionizing Radiation on the Mechanical and Structural Properties of Graphite Fiber Reinforced Composites

Graphite/epoxy (T300/5208) and graphite/polyimide composites (C6000/PMR 15) were exposed to various levels of 0.5 MeV electron radiation with the maximum dose being 10,000 Mrad. A three point bending test was used to evaluate the ultimate stress and modulus of the composites. In all composites except transverse samples of C6000/PMR 15 ultimate stress values remained approximately constant or increased slightly. The modulus values remained approximately constant for all composite types regardless of the radiation level. Interfacial aspects of composites were studied. Interlaminar shear tests were performed on T300/5208 and C6000/PMR 15 composites irradiated to 10,000 Mrad. There was an initial increase in interlaminar shear strength (up to 1,000 Mrad) followed by a sharp decrease with further radiation exposure. Using scanning electron microscopy no visual differences in the mode of fracture could be detected between ruptured control samples and those exposed to various levels of radiation. Electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA) revealed little change in the surface elements present in control and highly irradiated T300/5208 composite samples.

Wolf, Kay Woodroof↗

Mechanisms of degradation of graphite composites in a simulated space environment

Attention is given to degradation mechanisms for graphite/polysulfone and graphite/epoxy laminates exposed to ultraviolet and high-energy electron radiation in vacuum up to 960 equivalent sun hours and to 10 to the 9th rads, respectively. The materials showed good electron radiation stability as indicated by the low G values for gas formation and no evidence of mechanical property changes. Quantum yields for gas formation indicate poor stability to ultraviolet radiation. Mechanical property measurements did not show significant changes up to 960 ESH, with the possible exception of P1700/C6000. The main products of irradiation were identified as hydrogen and methane, along with high levels of CO and CO2.

Giori, C.↗

Dynamic mechanical characterization of cure of a polyimide-graphite fiber composite (PMR 15/Celion 6000)

Dynamic mechanical studies of thermosetting PMR 15 polyimide/Celion 6000 composites were used to characterize cure behavior. Variation in composite shear modulus with cure time for laminates partially cured under 3.45 MPa pressure was compared with that of laminates fully cured under pressure to select a partially cured system whose behavior corresponded with that of the pressure-cured composites. An empirical kinetic model was developed that relates relative composite shear moduli to cure time and temperature. This model, coupled with standard statistical techniques, was used in the determination of an overall activation energy, E = 145 kj/mole (35 kcal/mole) and order of reaction, n, for the cure reaction(s). The empirical relationship defining dynamic modulus as a function of time and temperature remained linear well into the glassy region. Changes in dynamic glass-transition temperature and in the breadth of the transition peaks with cure time are discussed. Shear modulus and damping were found to be more sensitive measures of relative extent of cure than Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.

Hurwitz, F. I.↗

Mechanical Property Characterization of F-100/934 Graphite-Epoxy Composite Material

Procedures for quality control, fabrication techniques, specimen machining, test methodologies, and data collection and interpretation were defined using Thornel P-100 carbon fiber combined with Fiberite's 934 epoxy resin in unidirectional tape form. Tests on the prepreg material, including gel time, resin solids content, tack, volatile content, and flow are detailed. The steps of the fabrication and machining processes are described. Both destructive and nondestructive techniques were employed to assess the properties of the cured laminates. Tests to determine tensile strength and modulus, compressive strength and modulus, interlaminar and inplane shear strength, and flexural strength and modulus are discussed. The results of these experiments are compared with data generated by other researchers.

Clinton, R. G., Jr.↗

Rubber-toughened polyfunctional epoxies - Brominated vs nonbrominated formulated for graphite composites

A new, commercially available, trifunctional epoxy resin (tris-(hydroxyphenyl)-methane triglycidyl ether) was modified with synthetic rubber to increase the impact resistance of epoxy/graphite composites. These composites were reinforced with commercially available satin-weave carbon cloth using two formulations of epoxies (brominated and nonbrominated) containing various amounts of carboxy-terminated butadience acrylonitrile (CTBN) rubber that had been prereacted with epoxy resin. The impact resistance was determined by measuring the interlaminar shear strength of the composites after impact. The mechanical properties, such as flexural strength and modulus at room temperature and at 93 C, were also determined. Measurements were taken of the flammability and glass transition temperature (Tg); and a thermal-gravimetric analysis was made.

Nir, Z.↗

Nonlinear response and failure characteristics of clamped internally pressurized graphite-epoxy cylindrical panels

The nonlinear response and failure characteristics of internally pressurized 4- to 16-ply cylindrical panels of graphite/epoxy are experimentally and analytically studied. Tests simulated the skin of a typical transport aircraft fuselage under loading to eventual failure. Aluminum test specimens were similarly tested and compared. All graphite/epoxy panels are found to withstand the internal pressures applied, which are well above the proof pressure loading expected for transport fuselage structures.

Boitnott, R. L.↗

Accelerated viscoelastic characterization of T300-5208 graphite-epoxy laminates

A viscoelastic response scheme for the accelerated characterization of polymer-based composite laminates in applied to T300/5208 graphite/epoxy. The response of uni-directional specimens is modeled. The transient component of the viscoelastic creep compliance is assumed to follow a power law approximation. A recursive relationship is developed, based upon the Schapery single-integral equation, which allows approximation of a continuous time-varying uniaxial load using discrete steps in stress. The viscoelastic response of T300/5208 to transverse normal and shear stresses is determined unsing 90 deg and 10 deg off-axis tensile specimens. In each case the seven viscoelastic material parameters required in the analysis are determined experimentally using short-term creep and creep recovery tests. It is shown that an accurate measure of the power law exponent is crucial for accurate long-term prediction. A short term test cycle selection procedure is proposed, which should provide useful guidelines for the evaluation of other viscoelastic materials.

Tuttle, M. E.↗

Thermal expansion of selected graphite reinforced polyimide-, epoxy-, and glass-matrix composite

The thermal expansion of three epoxy-matrix composites, a polyimide-matrix composite and a borosilicate glass-matrix composite, each reinforced with continuous carbon fibers, has been measured and compared. The expansion of a composite with a rubber toughened epoxy-matrix and P75S carbon fibers was very different from the expansion of two different single phase epoxy-matrix composites with P75S fibers although all three had the same stacking sequence. Reasonable agreement was obtained between measured thermal-expansion data and results from classical laminate theory. The thermal expansion of a material may change markedly as a result of thermal cycling. Microdamage, induced by 250 cycles between -156 C and 121 C in the graphite/polyimide laminate, caused a 53 percent decrease in the coefficient of thermal expansion. The thermal expansion of the graphite/glass laminate was not changed by 100 thermal cycles from -129 C to 38 C; however, a residual strain of about 10 x 10 to the minus 6 power was measured for the laminate tested.

Tompkins, S. S.↗

Measurement of damping of graphite epoxy materials

Work on a damping measurement test apparatus is discussed. The device is designed to excite tube specimens in a vacuum chamber. Also some experiments were conducted on a tube specimen to confirm previously reported results. A table of data showing the results of forced vibration tests using a half ring and a free-free boundary is given. The main purpose was to study the effect of the frequency resolution on the damping ratio measurements.

Crocker, M. J.↗

Coefficient of restitution for low velocity transverse impact of thin graphite-epoxy laminates

A simple model is presented for the low velocity impact behavior of thin plates composed of T300/5208 graphite/epoxy. The model, which is constructed on the assumption that the plate is inextensible in the fiber direction and that the material is incompressible in the z direction, is able to predict the energy absorbed by the target during an impact event, or the 'coefficient of restitution'. The plate essentially deforms by shear, allowing the model to neglect bending deformations. The coefficient of restitution is predicted to increase with large interlaminar shear strength and low transverse shear modulus of the laminate. The coefficient's experimentally measured values agree with model-predicted values within a reasonable error.

Lal, K. M.↗

A nonlinear analysis of infinitely long graphite-epoxy cylindrical panels loaded with internal pressure

The structural response of internally pressurized composite cylindrical panels, representative of a transport aircraft's fuselage skins, is predicted by means of a one-dimensional, geometrically nonlinear analysis. An analytical study is conducted for the response of 4-, 8-, and 16-ply graphite/epoxy skins. The results obtained indicate that the response is geometrically nonlinear, and that a boundary layer with a severe bending gradient exists at the panel edges. The importance of through-the-thickness shearing deformations in the bending boundary layer is illustrated through comparison of analyses based on Kirchhoff-Love and shear deformation theories. Numerical results for the bending boundary layer lengths of the different panels are presented, and two bending boundary layers are predicted with the shear deformation theory.

Boitnott, R. L.↗