Space radiation effects on the dimensional stability of a toughened epoxy-graphite composite

Journal Article · Tue Jul 01 00:00:00 EDT 1986 · SAMPE Q.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5244365

Sykes, G F; Bowles, D E

The effects of a simulated space radiation environment on the dimensional stability of an elastomer-toughened epoxy-graphite composite were determined. The response of the material was characterized following exposure to radiation doses equivalent to geosynchronous orbit lifetimes ranging from 6 months to 30 years. The results show that radiation interacts with the epoxy matrix to embrittle the composite, beginning at relatively low total doses (10/sup 7/ rads). The embrittlement results in thermal expansion changes and significant laminate microcracking during thermal cycling. These property changes could limit the service life of this material in some spacecraft applications. 14 references, 10 figures.

• Research Organization: NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA
• OSTI ID: 5244365
• Journal Information: SAMPE Q.; (United States), Vol. 17:4
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
COMPOSITE MATERIALS
PHYSICAL RADIATION EFFECTS
CARBON FIBERS
CRACKS
ELASTOMERS
EMBRITTLEMENT
EPOXIDES
SERVICE LIFE
THERMAL EXPANSION
EXPANSION
FIBERS
MATERIALS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
POLYMERS
RADIATION EFFECTS
360306* - Composite Materials- Radiation Effects- (-1987)
360304 - Composite Materials- Physical Properties- (-1987)
360303 - Composite Materials- Mechanical Properties- (-1987)