Detection of Environmental Deterioration in Fiber Reinforced Composites by FT-Raman Spectroscopy. Phase 1
Abstract
A number of advanced fiber reinforced organic matrix composites are being developed and applied in the aerospace industry. In these applications, the composites may be exposed to a variety of harsh environments, which may induce chemical and physical changes in the composite material, and ultimately lead to component failure. The successful use of these composites, therefore, requires methods to reliably detect and assess these changes. During this Phase I Program, a fiber optic based Fourier transform Raman spectrometer was specifically developed to perform nondestructive evaluation of environmentally damaged composites. Specifically, graphite and Kevlar reinforced epoxy and polyimide composite samples were subjected to thermal cycling, moisture exposure and ultraviolet irradiation. Three point flexure tests were used to measure flexural strength, flexural modulus, failure strain and failure load to assess induced mechanical property changes in the composites. Reflectance infrared spectra of the sample surfaces, as well as transmission infrared spectra of evolved gas phase chemical species were used to further characterize these changes.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1994
- Accession Number
- ADA279763
Entities
People
- Anthony Bananno
- Marie Ditaranto
- Martin Carangelo
- Rosemary Basilakis
- Stuart Farquharson