Graphite Fiber Reinforced Thermoplastic Resins.
Abstract
This report describes the results of a program designed to optimize the fabrication procedures for graphite/thermoplastic composites, measure the properties of the composites as a function of temperature and finally, to fabricate and test graphite/thermoplastic fan exit guide vanes. Three thermoplastics were included in the investigation: polysulfone, polyethersulfone, and polyarylsulfone. Type HMS graphite was used as the reinforcement. It was found that good quality composites having good mechanical properties could be fabricated with polysulfone and polyethersulfone matrix composites, but successful processing of polyarylsulfone composites was not achieved. Based on static shear, flexural, and tensile properties and tensile stress-rupture testing the upper use temperature of polysulfone matrix composites is somewhat less than l49 deg C, for polyethersulfone matrix composites it is under 177 deg C, while the polyarylsulfone composites showed little effect of temperature at 232 deg c. Bending fatigue tests of HMS graphite/polyethersulfone demonstrated a gradual shear failure mode which resulted in a loss of stiffness in the specimens. Preliminary curves were generated to show the loss in stiffness as a function of stress and number of cycles. Fan exit guide vanes of HMS graphite/polyethersulfone were satisfactorily fabricated in the final phase of the program. These were found to have higher stiffness and better fatigue behavior than graphite/epoxy vanes which were formerly bill-of-material. (MM)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 18, 1977
- Accession Number
- ADA301574
Entities
People
- Kenneth Bowles
- R. C. Novak
Organizations
- United Technologies Corporation