Composite materials at high temperatures

Abstract

An experimental investigation was made to determine the ultimate tensile strength and elastic modulus of IM6-3501-6 graphite epoxy laminated specimens exposed to temperatures from 70°F to 600°F. Specimens were layered (0°), (90", 0"), (90 ° , 0° , 90° ) . The coupons used are candidate materials for advanced tactical missile airframe design. A Material Testing System (MTS) testing machine with 100,000 lb. maximum load capacity was used to apply the programmed uniaxial tensile loading. A Research Incorporated quad elliptical heating chamber, together with temperature and power controller, were used for maintaining the elevated temperatures. A Measurements Group data acquisition system 4000 was used for data acquisition and data reduction. The ultimate strength of the 12 plied composite specimen was determined at two temperatures, 70 °F and 138 °F. The failure of the grips precluded the determination of the modulus at higher temperatures. The overall modulus was obtained for the same type of specimen at several temperatures up to 400 °F.