Masters Theses

Keywords and Phrases

Bismaleimides; Composites; Fiber Optic Sensors

Abstract

"Composites are becoming the material of choice in applications where weight savings are critical, like aerospace structures. The common composites used are- Carbon/Epoxy and Carbon/Bismaleimide (BMI). BMI based systems are preferred in applications which involve operating temperatures higher than conventional epoxies. Carbon/BMI laminates are traditionally fabricated in an autoclave, which is associated with high operating costs. In this work, a low cost out of autoclave (OOA) process is evaluated. It is desirable to have BMI OOA prepreg systems cure at reasonably low temperatures with sufficient degree of cure and green strength to maintain rigidity for subsequent freestanding post cure Carbon/BMI composite laminates are manufactured using an OOA compatible prepreg and the effect of varying base cure cycles on the green strength (strength before post cure) is investigated.

In aerospace structures, Carbon/BMI composites are used in high temperature applications. Fiber optic sensors are a compact non-intrusive means of structural health monitoring under these conditions. Optical fiber based sensors have many advantages like their compact size, resistance to corrosion, immunity from electromagnetic interference, and multiplexing capabilities. Embedded fiber optic sensors are used to study stresses developed during cure of carbon/BMI composite laminates. The same sensors are then used to measure strain developed in the composite on the application of mechanical loads"--Abstract, page iv.

Advisor(s)

Chandrashekhara, K.

Committee Member(s)

Okafor, A. Chukwujekwu (Anthony Chukwujekwu)
Samaranayake, V. A.

Department(s)

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Degree Name

M.S. in Mechanical Engineering

Sponsor(s)

Missouri University of Science and Technology. Industrial Consortium of the Center for Aerospace Manufacturing Technologies (CAMT)
Integrated Systems Solutions, Inc.

Publisher

Missouri University of Science and Technology

Publication Date

2014

Journal article titles appearing in thesis/dissertation

  • Influence of cure conditions on properties of out of autoclave cured carbon/bismaleimide composites
  • Monitoring of out of autoclave bmi composites using fiber optic sensors

Pagination

x, 42 pages

Note about bibliography

Includes bibliographical references.

Rights

© 2014 Sudharshan Anandan, All rights reserved.

Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Subject Headings

Composite materials -- AnalysisComposite materials -- DesignOptical fiber detectors

Thesis Number

T 10843

Electronic OCLC #

953991750

Download

Share

 
COinS