Residual thermal stresses in composites for dimensionally stable spacecraft applicationsAn overview of NASA LaRC's research on thermal residual stresses and their effect on the dimensional stability of carbon fiber reinforced polymer-matrix composites is presented. The data show that thermal residual stresses can induce damage in polymer matrix composites and significantly affect the dimensional stability of these composites by causing permanent residual strains and changes in CTE. The magnitude of these stresses is primarily controlled by the laminate configuration and the applied temperature change. The damage caused by thermal residual stresses initiates at the fiber/matrix interface and micromechanics level analyses are needed to accurately predict it. An increased understanding of fiber/matrix interface interactions appears to be the best approach for improving a composite's resistance to thermally induced damage.
Document ID
19940036319
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Bowles, David E. (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Tompkins, Stephen S. (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Funk, Joan G. (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 16, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1992
Publication Information
Publication: In: International Congress on Experimental Mechanics, 7th, Las Vegas, NV, June 8-11, 1992, Proceedings. Vol. 2 (A94-12901 02-39)
Publisher: Society for Experimental Mechanics, Inc.