Investigation of Damage Tolerance of Graphite/Epoxy Structures and Related Design Implications.

Abstract

This investigation was undertaken to evaluate the damage tolerance of typical graphite/epoxy structure to service damage. AS/3501 graphite/epoxy I-stiffened panels and honeycomb panels were fabricated and its tolerance to low-velocity impacts was measured. Three impact threats were investigated; runway stones, a blunt impactor with a tip radius of 0.64cm (1/4 inch), and a blunt impactor with a tip radius of 2.54cm (1 inch). Impact parameters were selected that would just cause visual damage. This worked well for the runway stones, but for the tests of the one-inch penetrator on the honeycomb panels visual damage was not easily observed. C-scan damage was, however, easily detectable. Residual strength specimens were cut from the damaged panels and tested. The specimens contained damage at levels of 70, 100, 130% of the level to cause visual (or C-scan)damage.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 14, 1976
Accession Number
ADA038936

Entities

People

  • J. P. Waszczak
  • N. R. Adsit

Organizations

  • General Dynamics

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aircrafts
  • Airframes
  • Composite Materials
  • Failure Mode And Effect Analysis
  • Fatigue Tests (Mechanics)
  • Fuselages
  • Impact Tests
  • Laminates
  • Material Degradation Processes
  • Materials
  • Materials Processing
  • Materials Testing
  • Mechanical Working
  • Mechanics
  • Modulus Of Elasticity
  • Quality Control
  • Tensile Strength

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Explosive Engineering.
  • Structural Health Monitoring of Composite Structures.