Evaluation of Crystallinity and Effects of Manufacturing Defects on Performance of Thermoplastic Str
Abstract
ONR Program Manager: Dr. Anisur Rahman Airframe Structures and Materials (Code 35) - Overmolding can be used for manufacturing compl,ex lightweight thermoplastic parts that are not possible with traditional continuous-fiber manufacturing methods. This manufacturing, method, which is a fusion bonding between a continuous fiber thermoplastic and chopped fiber through injection molding, can be impl,emented in order to significantly reduce weight and cost over mechanical fastening and adhesive bonding. The automotive industry ha,s successfully used overmolding for high-rate applications. Although the rates are not as demanding as automotive, the advanced air, mobility and aircraft industry require significant improvements to part quality and consistency to relate part performance to desig,n data. In order to meet aerospace quality requirements, nondestructive inspection methodologies are utilized during the manufacturi,ng of parts as well as during sustainment. The sustainment of fiber reinforced polymer structures requires highly trained personnel,for the performance of labor-intensive non-destructive inspection procedures. Due to the complexity of overmolded parts, inspectors,must rely on proficiencies in multiple inspection methods. Common inspection methods are hand-held, and inspection of large structur,es can become a multi-week process. In addition to inspection time, post-processing of data becomes labor-intensive, and reporting i,s difficult with current technologies. Additionally, material design factors such as ply transitions and joint interfaces, increase,complexity and decrease reliability of defect or damage indications. When performed manually, complex inspection procedures increase, maintenance times and associated costs. With advances in aircraft design and construction, combined with stringent structural and s,afety requirements, a novel automated technique to accomplish routine inspections is warranted. The primary goal of this system is t,o foster the development of methodologies for automation of inspections performed on advanced composite structures allowing for an a,cceptance criteria and improved data management and storage. This automated inspection cell will provide a proving ground for advanc,ed inspection technologies used in the sustainment of any naval air, ground, or sea platform. This system will allow researchers to,focus on the implementation of current inspection technologies with high technology readiness levels currently used in fleet sustain,ment for improved technology transfer for future field deployment. Furthermore, this technology will allow for improved operational,readiness through increased inspection rates, improved data accuracy and reliability, and decreased documentation costs. This abstra,ct is publicly releasable.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Sep 08, 2022
- Source ID
- N000142212718
Entities
People
- Waruna Seneviratne
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- Wichita State University