Composite Gimbal Materials Study.
Abstract
This report describes a study of composite materials for fabrication of structural elements in airborne gimballed optical systems. The particular system studied was the POInting and Stabilization Element (POISE) gimballed platform as used for fire control and surveillance applications, and carried on remotely piloted vehicles (RPV). It was determined that the magnesium castings used for the two gimbals as well as the mounting base plate could be replaced with graphite-epoxy moldings, using a sandwich structure approach, with a foam core or an aluminum honeycomb core. Specific stiffness was found to be 3-5 times higher than magnesium, even when using sandwich structure, this results in a structural element of the same shape and size as the magnesium but which will be significantly lighter, while still being significantly stiffer, and projected to be less expensive. A fabrication process was conceived and proved out permitting molding of complex precision shopes, utilizing simple and low cost tooling. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1978
- Accession Number
- ADA059089
Entities
People
- L. V. Grandchamp
- R. P. Grosso
- T. O. Rue
Organizations
- Honeywell International, Inc.