Develop and Demonstrate Manufacturing Processes for Fabricating Graphite Filament Reinforced Polyimide (Gr/PI) Composite Structural Elements.

Abstract

One approach for increasing the efficiency of future reusable space vehicles involves the use of lightweight, elevated temperature resistant structural materials. One of the most promising materials for this application is graphite filament reinforced polyimide matrix composites. NASA's project Composites for Advanced Space Transportation Systems (CASTS) has been established to develop and demonstrate the technology required to achieve Gr/PI structural components with 316C (600F) operational capability. The primary objective of this program, which is sponsored under the CASTS Project, is the development and demonstration of fabrication processes for graphite composites based on DuPont's NR-150B2 polyimide which are applicable to fabrication of large size structures. The program involves two major tasks and various sub (a) Material development and characterization for Quality Assurance. (b) Laminate fabrication process development. (c) Adhesive bonding study. (d) Stiffened panel development. (e) Honeycomb panel development. (f) Chopped fiber molding process development. (g) NDI development. (h) Testing for process verification. (i) Specifications. (a) Laminates. (b) Stiffened Panels. (c) Honeycomb Panels. (d) Chopped Fiber Moldings. (e) Structural Component.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 08, 1977
Accession Number
ADA301966

Entities

People

  • V. A. Chase

Organizations

  • General Dynamics

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Adhesive Bonding
  • Composite Materials
  • Epoxy Composites
  • Fabrication
  • Flexural Strength
  • Graphitic Materials
  • Laminates
  • Manufacturing
  • Materials
  • Materials Processing
  • Mechanical Properties
  • Physical Properties
  • Plastic Explosives
  • Specific Gravity
  • Standards
  • Structural Components
  • Surface Temperature

Fields of Study

  • Materials science

Readers

  • Reinforced Composite Materials
  • Software Engineering

Technology Areas

  • Space