Effect of ionizing radiation on the mechanical and structural properties of graphite fiber reinforced composites. [0. 5 MeV electrons]

Technical Report · Fri Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1982

OSTI ID:6237502

Wolf, K W

Graphite/epoxy (T300/5208) and graphite/polyimide composites (C6000/PMR 15) were exposed to various levels of 0.5 MeV electron radiation with the maximum dose being 10,000 Mrad. A three point bending test was used to evaluate the ultimate stress and modulus of the composites. In all composites except transverse samples of C6000/PMR 15 ultimate stress values remained approximately constant or increased slightly. The modulus values remained approximately constant for all composite types regardless of the radiation level. Interfacial aspects of composites were studied. Interlaminar shear tests were performed on T300/5208 and C6000/PMR 15 composites irradiated to 10,000 Mrad. There was an initial increase in interlaminar shear strength (up to 1,000 Mrad) followed by a sharp decrease with further radiation exposure. Using scanning electron microscopy no visual differences in the mode of fracture could be detected between ruptured control samples and those exposed to various levels of radiation. Electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA) revealed little change in the surface elements present in control and highly irradiated T300/5208 composite samples.

• Research Organization: North Carolina State Univ., Raleigh (USA)
• OSTI ID: 6237502
• Report Number(s): N-8316396; NASA-CR-169651
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
360306* -- Composite Materials-- Radiation Effects-- (-1987)
BENDING
CARBON
COMPOSITE MATERIALS
ELECTRON MICROSCOPY
ELECTRON SPECTROSCOPY
ELEMENTAL MINERALS
ELEMENTS
ENERGY RANGE
GRAPHITE
IONIZING RADIATIONS
KEV RANGE
KEV RANGE 100-1000
MATERIALS
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
MICROSCOPY
MINERALS
NONMETALS
PHYSICAL RADIATION EFFECTS
RADIATION EFFECTS
RADIATIONS
SPECTROSCOPY