Journal Published Online: 01 April 2000
Volume 22, Issue 2

Assessment of Residual Composite Properties as Influenced by Thermal Mechanical Aging

CODEN: JCTRER

Abstract

In this study two quasi-isotropic carbon fiber-reinforced polyimide material systems, IM7/K3B and IM7/PETI-5, were thermally aged at 163°C (325°F) for up to 10 000 hours under a static compressive load (controlled at 2000 μɛ). The compressive load was applied using steel fixtures supplied by The Boeing Company. Back-to-back gages on the aging panels monitored compressive strain as well as bending strain. Following aging at 1500, 3000, and 10 000 hours, ambient residual compression properties were assessed using the IITRI compression test method. Unexposed specimens were also tested to obtain baseline properties for comparison. These results showed that 10 000 hours of stressed isothermal aging did not significantly affect the compressive properties of the two composite systems. However, there was one exception. A slight increase in scatter of the residual strength was observed. Statistical evaluation of the results provided guidelines for the development of A-basis and B-basis values and assessing significant property changes following aging. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) found the glass transition temperatures for the two material systems to be unaffected by 3000 and 10 000 hours of aging. The combined results of these experiments provide valuable information on the effects of physical and chemical aging on the long-term thermal mechanical behavior of these materials.

Author Information

Wood, JD
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA
Plunkett, RB
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA
Tsang, PH
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA
Verghese, KNE
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA
Lesko, JJ
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA
Pages: 9
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Stock #: CTR10630J
ISSN: 0884-6804
DOI: 10.1520/CTR10630J