The Strength of Glass Fibers and the Failure of Filament Wound Pressure Vessels
Abstract
In glass-reinforced-plastic rockets such as Polaris A3 and third stage Minuteman, the current strength/weight advantage over metals has been achieved in a major degree by utilizing a new glass designated S or S-994. Examination of what is meant by the strength of glass filaments has led to a new method of characterizing the strength, especially for the purpose of exploring new glasses. Since the tensile strength is influenced by flaws and by environmental effects, the strength is therefore strongly dependent on the gage length tested and the time under load. In considering the statistical distribution of fiber strengths more than one population of flaws has been detected. The amount of damage to the fibers in such handling as the making of roving is rather severe, judged by the size or length effect on the strength of filaments. On the other hand with good design this mechanical damage is not reflected in a correspondingly large size effect in the strength of pressure vessels.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 28, 1964
- Accession Number
- AD0439217
Entities
People
- J. A. Kies
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory