The Certification of Polycarbonate Transparencies - An Appeal for Reasonable Requirements,

Abstract

This paper looks at the physical properties of polycarbonate relative to glass and acrylic. It explores the current FAA/CAA certification requirements for glass and acrylic, and the ways polycarbonate can be damaged in the manufacturing processes. In conclusion, it urges the FAA/CAA to treat polycarbonate windows as 'transparent structure' and, recognizing the extent of the service life of aircraft glazings, not impose load factor requirements in excess of those required for other pressurized structure. It also urges the ASTM to develop standard procedures to evaluate as-processed polycarbonate to insure the finished product is free from induced strength or fatigue defects. Finally, it suggests the Air Force (the major user of polycarbonate in transparencies) should evaluate the effects of long-term environmental exposure on the structural characteristics of lazing materials including glass, acrylic and polycarbonate and their appropriate interlayers.

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 1983
Accession Number
ADP003225

Entities

People

  • B. G. Hinds

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Aircrafts
  • Environmental Exposure
  • Manufacturing
  • Materials
  • Mechanical Structure
  • Optical Properties
  • Performance Tests
  • Physical Properties
  • Standards
  • Transparencies

Readers

  • Polymer Science and Engineering.
  • Systems Analysis and Design