REINFORCED THERMOPLASTICS FOR MAKING AN EXPANDABLE, RIGIDIZABLE WING TIP TANK

Abstract

A program of work is described leading to the selection of a resin system,reinforcement selection and fabrication methods for building a foldable deployable external wing tank for aircraft. The resin system and glass reinforcement selection was accomplished by screening over 150 potential resin systems and 6 possible reinforcement candidates. Twelve design concepts were screened. The selection of the final design was based on: weight saving potential; high nesting ratio; stiffness and load carrying capability; ease of field erection. A TOOLING CONCEPT WAS UTILIZED THAT WOULD ALLOW THE FUEL TANK TO BE FABRICATE DOVER A REMOVABLE MANDREL. The mandrel shape was developed by placing a silicone rubber contoured bag in a female mold with an arbor clamped to the bag. A method for zone curing critical areas of the tank was developed.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 1969
Accession Number
AD0699588

Entities

People

  • C. J. North
  • I. O. Salyer
  • J. L. Schwendeman
  • Norick Ohanian

Organizations

  • Monsanto

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Bearing Strength
  • Fabrication
  • Fittings
  • Manufacturing
  • Materials
  • Materials Laboratories
  • Materials Processing
  • Materials Science
  • Materials Testing
  • Mechanics
  • Modulus Of Elasticity
  • Physical Properties
  • Plastics
  • Reinforced Plastics
  • Resins
  • Thermoplastic Resins
  • Transition Temperature

Fields of Study

  • Materials science

Readers

  • Reinforced Composite Materials
  • Software Engineering