Graphite/Polyurethane Flexible Composites - Mechanical and Vibration Damping Properties
Abstract
Structures fabricated with advanced composite materials, such as graphite fibers in thermoset or thermoplastic resins, typically possess high stiffness. The material is elastic to failure, which occurs at strain levels which are relatively low, on the order of 2 to 5 %, depending on fiber orientations. There are numerous naval applications in which systems are subjected to significantly large deformations due to the global deformation of the ship hull. To allow the subsystems to function while being subjected to these large global deformations, flexible couplings are often incorporated. These couplings must transfer in-plane loads and torque while allowing for dissimilar motion of each component. This paper describes such a structural configuration which is both flexible and structurally adequate to support significant mechanical loads. This flexible composite systems consists of a braided graphite fiber preform infiltrated with a polyurethane, Adiprene, which has a modulus of 1100 psi and a strain to failure of 300%. This composite system possesses adequate structural characteristics of strength and stiffness, the capability to undergo large global deformations, while simultaneously dissipating significant levels of mechanical vibration energy. This paper discusses the fabrication and design of the flexible composite material, the mechanical characteristics and the damping that it provides.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA271608
Entities
People
- Colin P. Ratcliffe
- Roger M. Crane
Organizations
- Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division