Effects of Voids on Mechanical Properties of Graphite Fiber Composites

Abstract

The results of an investigation of the effect of voids on the mechanical properties of Thornel 50/Epoxy and Modmor II/5206 Epoxy are discussed and presented. Uni- directional, as well as quasi-isotropic, laminates with symmetrical and nonsymmetrical ply-tacking sequences were fabricated with high and low porosity and subsequently subjected to detailed nondestructive and destructive testing. Longitudinal and transverse flexure and tension, short beam shear, and torsion rod experiments were completed on the two composite systems at 75 and 250 F. Ultrasonic compression and shear wave velocities were measured at discrete locations on a specimen-by-specimen basis, and the observations correlated with observed mechanical properties. An in-depth metallographic characterization of voids was completed on Thornel 50/Epoxy and correlation established for NDT -mechanical properties and voids. These relationships were used to estimate upper and lower bounds on the strength and stiffness envelopes of the unidirectional and angle-ply composites. This permits evaluation of the degradation effects of voids on composite performance.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Nov 30, 1970
Accession Number
AD0727236

Entities

People

  • Edward M. Lenoe

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Composite Materials
  • Epoxy Composites
  • Epoxy Laminates
  • Fabrication
  • Flexural Strength
  • Graphitic Materials
  • Laminates
  • Materials
  • Materials Laboratories
  • Materials Processing
  • Materials Science
  • Materials Testing
  • Measurement
  • Mechanical Properties
  • Mechanical Working
  • Tensile Strength
  • Wave Propagation

Fields of Study

  • Materials science

Readers

  • Reinforced Composite Materials
  • Structural Health Monitoring of Composite Structures.