Engineering and Qualification of Thin-Ply Composites

This body of research focuses on developing fundamental engineering qualification methods for Thin-Ply High Strain Composites (TP-HSCs). Roccor will collaborate with NASA and Dr. Kwok of the University of Central Florida to develop and validate a robust framework for engineering the viscoelastic behavior of highly strained thin-ply composites. The material systems studied will be highly focused on the matrix contributions to thin ply composite structures, where the fibers utilized will be IM7 and the layup type will be spread-tow plain weave with a maximum of 80 grams per square meter. The ultimate goal of this research is to develop a robust analysis and prediction method which is matrix agnostic, however with the timeframe of a phase one contract the initial study will only utilize Patz Materials Technologies – F7 (PMT-F7) toughened, high temperature, epoxy resin. Performance tasks of this program include neat-resin test, Column-bend Test, and diametrical compression testing. Each test will aid in the development of robust analytical methods as well as material allowable databases made available to the public. Further investigation in a phase two effort would validate the framework and publish test data for a representative sample of space-flight-grade resin types including at least one other epoxy, cyanate ester, thermoplastic (e.g. PEEK, PEKK), and at least one system with a nano-filler.