Damage Mechanisms in Polymer Matrix Composites in Extreme Environments

Abstract:

In this work, potential problems with the application of polymer matrix composites (PMC) in extreme environments [1] is discussed. Then, two specific examples of the applications of PMCs in high voltage [2-7] and high temperature [8-15] situations are evaluated. The first example deals with damage evolution in high voltage composite insulators [2-7] with PMC rods subjected to a combined action of extreme mechanical, electrical and environmental stresses. These insulators are widely used in transmission line and substation applications around the world. Subsequently, advanced high temperature graphite/polyimide composites [8-15] are evaluated for aerospace applications. The composite investigated in this project were used to manufacture and successfully test a Rocket Based Combined Cycle (RBCC) third-generation, reusable liquid propellant rocket engine, which is one possible engine for a future single-stage-to-orbit vehicle [8].

• Periodical: Key Engineering Materials (Volumes 324-325)
• Pages: 663-666
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/KEM.324-325.663
• Online since: November 2006
• Authors: Maciej S. Kumosa
• Keywords: Composite Insulator, Damage, Durability, Extreme Environments, Fracture, Graphite/Polyimides, High Voltage (HV), High-Temperature, Polymer Matrix Composite (PMC), Rocket Engine

References

[1] Committee on Durability and Life Prediction of Polymer Matrix Composites in Extreme Environments, Going to Extremes: Meeting the Emerging Demand for Durable Polymer Matrix Composites, The National Academies Press, Washington DC, ISBN: 0-309-55235-4, 2005, USA.

DOI: 10.17226/11424

[2] http: /www. engr. du. edu/CFAMS/CFAMS_Downloads. htm.

[3] Kumosa, M., Kumosa, L. and Armentrout, D.: Can Water Cause Brittle Fracture Failures of Composite Non-Ceramic Insulators in the Absence of Electric Fields?. IEEE Trans. Dielectr. Electr. Insul. Vol. 11, No. 3 (2004) p.523.

DOI: 10.1109/tdei.2004.1306730

[4] Kumosa, M., Kumosa, L. and Armentrout, D.: Causes and Potential Remedies of Brittle Fracture Failures of Composite (Non-Ceramic) Insulators, IEEE Trans. Dielectr. Electr. Insul., Vol. 11/6 (2004) p.1037.

DOI: 10.1109/tdei.2004.1387827

[5] Kumosa, M., Kumosa, L. and Armentrout, D.: Failure Analyses of Non-Ceramic Insulators: Brittle Fracture Characteristics, IEEE Elect. Insul. Mag., Vol. 21/3 (2005) p.14.

DOI: 10.1109/mei.2005.1437604

[6] Kumosa, M., Kumosa, L. and Armentrout, D.: Failure Analyses of Non-Ceramic Insulators: The Brittle Fracture Model and Failure Prevention, IEEE Elect. Insul. Mag., Vol. 21/4 (2005) p.28.

DOI: 10.1109/mei.2005.1489987

[7] Kumosa, L., Kumosa, M. and Armentrout, D.: Resistance to Brittle Fracture of Glass Reinforced Polymer Composites Used in Composite (Non-Ceramic) Insulators, IEEE Trans. Power Delivery, Vol. 20/4 (2005) p.2657.

DOI: 10.1109/tpwrd.2005.852289

[8] http: /www. grc. nasa. gov/WWW/RT/2004/RM/RM10P-shin. html.

[9] Gentz, M., Armentrout, D., Rupnowski, P., Kumosa, L. Shin, E., Sutter, J.K., and Kumosa, M.: In-Plane Shear Testing of Woven Graphite/Polyimide Composites with Medium and High Modulus Graphite Fibers at Room and 316°C Temperatures, Comp. Sci. and Tech., Vol. 64/2 (2004).

DOI: 10.1016/s0266-3538(03)00260-4

[10] Benedikt, B., Gentz, M., Kumosa, L., Rupnowski, P., Sutter, J. K.: Kumosa, M.: X-ray Diffraction Experiments on Aged Graphite Fiber/Polyimide Composites with Embedded Aluminum Inclusions, Composites Part A, Vol. 35/6 (2004) p.667.

DOI: 10.1016/j.compositesa.2004.02.008

[11] Rupnowski, P. Gentz, M. and Kumosa, M.: Mechanical Response of a Woven Graphite/Polyimide Composite to In-Plane Shear Dominated Biaxial Loads at Room and Elevated Temperatures, Acta Mater., Vol. 52/19 (2004) p.5603.

DOI: 10.1016/j.actamat.2004.08.019

[12] Rupnowski, P., Gentz, M., Sutter, J. K. and Kumosa, M.: An Evaluation of Elastic Properties and Coefficients of Thermal Expansion of Graphite Fibers from Macroscopic Composite Input Data, Proc. Royal Society: Math, Phys and Eng. Sciences, Vol. 461 (2005).

DOI: 10.1098/rspa.2004.1358

[13] Rupnowski, P., Gentz, M., Sutter, J. K. and Kumosa, M.: An Evaluation of the Elastic Properties and Coefficients of Thermal Expansion of Medium and High Modulus Graphite Fibers, Composites Part A, Vol. 36 (2005) p.327.

DOI: 10.1016/j.compositesa.2004.07.003

[14] Benedikt, B., Kumosa, M. and Predecki, P.: An Evaluation of Residual Stresses in Graphite/PMR-15 Composites by X-ray Diffraction, Acta Mater., Vol. 53/17 (2005) p.4531.

DOI: 10.1016/j.actamat.2005.06.008

[15] Rupnowski, P., Gentz, M., Armentrout, D., Sutter, J. K. And Kumosa, M.: The Response of a Woven Graphite Fiber Polyimide Composite to Aging in Nitrogen, Acta Mater., Vol. 53/17 (2005) p.4555.

DOI: 10.1016/j.actamat.2005.06.010