Survivability of Affordable Aircraft Composite Structures. Volume 1: Overview and Ballistic Impact Testing of Affordable Woven Carbon/Epoxy Composites
Abstract
Future aircraft technology enhancements (FATE) develop revolutionary technologies that will become the foundation for the next generation of war fighters. The structures thrust of the Air Vehicles Directorate further supports the Air Force need toward a composite affordability initiative (CAI). Affordability and survivability are keys to air and space vehicles for higher performance, longer life, and cost effectiveness. In the current research project, issues of CAI were addressed. The technical work carried out is presented in three volumes. Volume 1 addresses the performance of carbon/epoxy composites that were manufactured using affordable vacuum assisted infusion molding (VARIM) process. Panels made of stitched/unstitched plain, satin, and twill weave of different thicknesses were subjected to high velocity impact loading using a gas-gun facility. Damage modes were evaluated through ultrasonic nondestructive evaluation (NDE). Effect of projectile geometry was studied. In all of the laminates, the damage was localized and was dominated by penetration rather than delamination. This resulted in laminates with lower damage size with increased residual mechanical properties as compared to the unidirectional laminates that are used in the current aircraft structures.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA421600
Entities
People
- Ajit D. Kelkar
- Mahesh Hosur
- Shaik Jeelani
- Sylvanus Nwosu
- Uday K. Vaidya
Organizations
- Tuskegee University