RIGIDIZATION TECHNIQUES FOR INTEGRALLY WOVEN COMPOSITE CONSTRUCTIONS.
Abstract
Impregnation and rigidization of three-dimensional woven fiberglass sandwich under space conditions are discussed. The investigation concentrated on modified gelatin impregnants but included limited work on water vapor cured polyurethane. Practical techniques were evolved for peptizing gelatin solutions and impregnating both sandwich and plain fiberglass cloth. A formaldehyde treatment was developed to 'B Stage' or pre-set the impregnated fabric which converted the gelatin to a stable, non-tacky, and somewhat rubbery phase. The rigidization of formaldehyde treated gelatin impregnated fiberglass was to be reversible, permitting ground check and test of actual flight structures. Several large structural elements with single and double curvature were fabricated, demonstrating the feasibility of handling, shaping, joining and hardening gelatin impregnated fabrics. Strength data were obtained for both the sandwich and flat laminated rigidized material, and storage, packing and rigidization time factors were investigated. High strengths, approaching those obtained on conventional fiberglass laminates, were obtained with the gelatin system. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1965
- Accession Number
- AD0478728
Entities
People
- L. B. Keller
- S. S. Schwartz
Organizations
- Hughes Aircraft Company