Environmental Exposure Effects on Composite Materials for Commercial Aircraft.
Abstract
A combined analytical and experimental program is being conducted to evaluate the influence of aircraft-associated environments on the environmental resistance of commercially available composite material systems. Expanded use of composite materials in primary aircraft structure requires an improved understanding of the environmental durability of these material systems. This report covers the first 3 years of a planned 11- year program. The basic program uses T300/5208, T300/5209, and T300/934 graphite-epoxy composite materials. AS-l/3501-6 graphite-epoxy and Kevlar 49/Fl6l-188 Kevlar-epoxy composite materials were added to the program as optional materials 2 years after its start. This report presents results from only the basic program. Materials were purchased and evaluated for mechanical and chemical baseline properties before exposure. Large groups of specimens were then weighed, measured, assembled into fixtures, and deployed for exposure. Sets of specimens were sent to three commercial airlines for deployment aboard Boeing model 737 aircraft flying in daily revenue service. The airlines chosen for their willingness to support the required tasks and to provide a variety of flight environments were Air New Zealand, Ltd., Aloha Airlines, and Southwest Airlines. Other sets of specimens were sent to four different ground exposure sites. Three locations were major operating bases of the three airlines involved in the program. The fourth site, NASA-Dryden Flight Research Center, was selected to give a broad range of climatic features. Sufficient ground and aircraft specimens were deployed to permit returns and postexposure evaluation after I, 2, 3, 5, 7, and 10 years.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1982
- Accession Number
- ADA306045
Entities
People
- Daniel J. Hoffman
- Martin N. Gibbins
Organizations
- Boeing