Factors Controlling the Strength of Composite Structures.

Abstract

Measurements are made of the fracture toughness and stress corrosion cracking characteristics of adhesive joints consisting of the epoxy resin-DER 332 hardened with either TEPA or HHPA. The following are found: the range of toughnesses obtained by varying hardener content and post-cure temperature is broader for the amine than for the anhydride hardened joints, but the mean of the two ranges is approximately the same; the anhydride hardened joints are more sensitive to water than the amine ones; and both fracture toughness and resistance to stress corrosion cracking increase with joint thickness to a maximum for very thick joints. High values of fracture toughness are associated with a macro-roughening of the fracture surface, but the increased resistance to stress corrosion cracking is not. The fracture toughness and stress corrosion cracking of commercial adhesives, either scrim or particle filled, are also discussed. Finally, the design of a self- stressed specimen for studying stress corrosion cracking is described. (Author-PL)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 01, 1970
Accession Number
AD0874429

Entities

People

  • E. J. Ripling
  • Sheldon Mostovoy

Organizations

  • Materials Research Laboratory

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Adhesives
  • Anhydrides
  • Composite Materials
  • Composite Structures
  • Corrosion
  • Epoxy Resins
  • Material Degradation Processes
  • Materials
  • Resins
  • Resistance
  • Stress Corrosion
  • Stress Corrosion Cracking
  • Toughness

Fields of Study

  • Materials science

Readers

  • Materials Science (Mechanical Engineering).
  • Polymer Science and Engineering.
  • Structural Health Monitoring of Composite Structures.