Masters Theses

Abstract

"Woven graphite/epoxy composite laminate is one type of composite currently being investigated for use in aircraft engine components. However, polymers tend to become brittle with age, especially when exposed to elevated temperature. It is necessary to understand the physical changes in a material during the aging process in order to predict the long-term behavior.

In addition to aging, materials used in aircraft will be exposed to a wide variety of temperatures and relative humidity levels. Variations in temperature and moisture content affect both the physical and the mechanical properties of composites.

Experimental methods are described for hygrothermal testing of a polymer matrix composite to determine the moisture absorption and change in physical dimensions. A method is established for short-term creep testing to determine the effect of physical aging on the creep and recovery properties of the laminate. Through the use of Fick's Law, time to saturation and diffusivity were predicted for the specimens in the cases examined. The change in physical dimensions during the hygrothermal testing was negligible. The physical aging tests revealed the expected trends of creep and recovery. Maximum elongation decreased as aging time increased and the resin showed significant creep at the test temperature"--Abstract, page iii.

Advisor(s)

Dharani, Lokeswarappa R.
Roy, Samit

Committee Member(s)

Carroll, Douglas R.
Riggins, David W.

Department(s)

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Degree Name

M.S. in Aerospace Engineering

Sponsor(s)

Missouri Space Grant Consortium
Pratt & Whitney Aircraft Company

Comments

Electronic access to the full-text of this document is restricted to Missouri S&T users. Print thesis not available at Missouri S&T Library.

Print thesis lost & withdrawn; scan made from microfilm is best quality available; Vita (leaf 38) is missing from the microfilm.

Publisher

University of Missouri--Rolla

Publication Date

Spring 1999

Pagination

x, 37 pages

Note about bibliography

Includes bibliographical references.

Rights

© 1999 Natalie Lynn Dixon, All rights reserved.

Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Subject Headings

Polymeric composites -- Deterioration
Polymeric composites -- Mechanical properties
Hygrothermoelasticity

Thesis Number

T 7592

Print OCLC #

42207221

Electronic OCLC #

904020182

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