Development of lightweight graphite/polyimide sandwich panels.Lightweight graphite/polyimide composite honeycomb core and sandwich panels were fabricated and tested. Honeycomb cores of 1/4-in. and 3/8-in. cell sizes of hexagonal configuration were produced from thin plus or minus 45 deg cross plied sheets of prepreg producing core weights between 1.8 and 3.6 lb/cu ft. Thin gauge prepreg using Hercules graphite tow and Monsanto Skybond 710 polyimide resin were manufactured to produce cured ply thicknesses of 0.001 to 0.002 in. Graphite core properties measured at temperatures from -150 to 600 F are reported. Core properties which are superior to available materials were obtained. Sandwich panels weighing less than 0.5 lb/sq ft were designed and fabricated which meet the support structure loads for the shuttle orbiter thermal protection system.
Document ID
19730028249
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Poesch, J. G. (Hercules, Inc. Magna, Utah, United States)
Date Acquired
August 7, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1972
Subject Category
Materials, Nonmetallic
Meeting Information
Meeting: National Technical Conference and Exhibition