A SURVEY OF COMPOSITE MATERIALS AND STRUCTURES,
Abstract
Design concepts using alumina-tile segments for large ceramic structures and alumina 'Imidite' radomes with superior rain-erosion resistance, are covered. Selferecting, self-supporting, expandable aerospace structures for airlocks, interconnecting tunnels, etc. are included because of possible MOL applications. Efforts are pursued to reduce the cost of materials and structures. A method to automatically reproduce high-quality, reinforced plastic structures, a 250F curing high-strength adhesive, and a low-temperature curing, dual-purpose, laminate requiring no adhesive, have thereby been developed. Cryogenic and heat-resitant adhesives and applications are further discussed. A variety of tailored thermal-insulating materials and applications is then covered. Future developments will concern multi-performance composites providing the structure, armor protection, and passive anti-radar. Among the precision structures manufactured, are the 'Telstar' horn and 'Tetrac' parabolic antennas, and the communications antenna on 'Mariner IV'. Numerous other components are mentioned. Using a 'multi-shell' concept, highly-reliable pneumatic pressure vessels are in production. Weight comparisons and cyclic fatigue values support the paper. A further specialty is the bonding of LEM and supersonic air-vehicle windows. The composite approach was necessary for cryogenic gasket problems. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1965
- Accession Number
- AD0628668
Entities
People
- Bryan R. Noton