Processing and characterization of thick laminated composites
- Applied Research Lab., State College, PA (United States)
- A and M Engineered Composites, Marlboro, MA (United States)
In recent years, significant interest has arisen in the use of laminated composites in marine structures. Such structures are often considerably thicker than their aerospace counterparts in which composites have traditionally been utilized. Thick composite structures require minor modifications to the standard fabrication techniques and cure cycles developed for thin sections. Thick composite materials utilized in marine applications must be capable of delivering acceptable properties and must retain those properties following exposure to the marine environment for service lives up to 30 years. The present paper describes the processing and characterization of a thick, hybrid panel measuring 76.20 x 66.04 x 7.62 cm The 7.62 cm thickness consisted of 2.54 cm of carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic toughened epoxy (Fiberite IM7/977-2) tape with a quasi-isotropic lay up and 5.08 cm of carbon fiber reinforced epoxy (Fiberite T300/934) fabric with a quasi-isotropic lay up. Four sub laminates were selected at various locations through the thickness of the laminates. The sub laminates consisted of 16 (tape) or 8 (fabric) plies which were separated from the adjacent plies by sheets of porous teflon. The porous teflon sheets allowed resin flow to occur during processing of the laminate and provided a simple means of separating the sub laminates following cure. After separation, all laminate sections were inspected using ultrasonic techniques. Fiber volume fraction, void content, and the full range of mechanical properties were determined for each sub laminate. These results were compared with 16 (tape) and 8 (fabric) ply quasi-isotropic panels processed separately under ideal conditions. The results of this study demonstrate that it is possible to produce high-quality, thick laminates for use in marine structures.
- OSTI ID:
- 89835
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-9409291--; ISBN 1-56676-220-0
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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