Space radiation effects on graphite-epoxy composite materials. [Electrons at 5. 0 x 10/sup 7/ rads/hr]

Thesis/Dissertation · Sun Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1984

OSTI ID:5701506

Milkovich, S M

The objective of this study is to characterize radiation effects on engineering properties, dimensional stability, and chemistry on state-of-the-art composite systems. This investigation used T300/934 graphite epoxy composite that was subjected to 1.0 MeV electron radiation for a total dose of 1.0 x 10/sup 10/ rads at a rate of 5.0 x 10/sup 7/ rads/hour. This simulates a worst-case exposure equivalent to 30 years in space. Mechanical testing was performed on the 4-ply unidirectional laminates over the temperature range of -250/sup 0/F to +250/sup 0/F. A complete set of in-plane tensile elastic and strength properties were obtained. In addition, electron microscopy was used to study and analyze the fracture surfaces of all specimens tested. Results indicate that little difference in properties is noted at room temperature, but significant differences are observed at both low and elevated temperatures. Dynamic-mechanical analysis (DMA) showed that the glass transition temperature of the epoxy matrix was lowered by over 100/sup 0/F (57K) after being irradiated. Thermomechanical analysis (TMA) demonstrated that volatile products are produced upon heating the irradiated material.

• Research Organization: Virginia Polytechnic Inst. and State Univ., Blacksburg (USA)
• OSTI ID: 5701506
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
360306* -- Composite Materials-- Radiation Effects-- (-1987)
CARBON
COMPOSITE MATERIALS
ELECTRONS
ELEMENTAL MINERALS
ELEMENTARY PARTICLES
ELEMENTS
ENERGY RANGE
EPOXIDES
FERMIONS
GRAPHITE
LEPTONS
LOW TEMPERATURE
MATERIALS
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
MEDIUM TEMPERATURE
MEV RANGE
MEV RANGE 01-10
MINERALS
NONMETALS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PHYSICAL RADIATION EFFECTS
RADIATION EFFECTS