ISSN:
0032-3888
Keywords:
Chemistry
;
Chemical Engineering
Source:
Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
Topics:
Chemistry and Pharmacology
,
Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Production Engineering, Mining and Metallurgy, Traffic Engineering, Precision Mechanics
,
Physics
Notes:
Orbital space structures are required to be lightweight, have high specific stiffness, have near-zero coefficient of thermal expansion, exhibit low outgassing, and be cost-effective. Graphite-reinforced thermoplastics have the potential to satisfy the criteria noted. However, prior to committing the materials to specific projects, technology demonstration and risk reduction is necessary. In order to demonstrate the application of fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites for truss structure applications, a graphite-reinforced poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) composite tetrahedron truss array was designed and manufactured. The resulting structure clearly demonstrated that fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites are a viable alternative to epoxy composites for orbital structures.
Additional Material:
7 Ill.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/pen.760310102
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