NASA Langley Research Center
Hampton, Virginia

Experiments

	Langley Home Page
	Space Environments &Technology Archive System Home Page
	Space Environments &Effects Home Page
	NASA Home Page

Experiment Title: Effect of Space Exposure of Some Epoxy Matrix Composites on Their Thermal Expansion and Mechanical Properties

Original Principal Investigator(s): Soulat, Dr. Guy - Invest. Role: Present, Elberg, Robert - Invest. Role: Original,

Carbon and Kevlar fiber-reinforced plastic composites are being used increasingly in space structures (launch vehicles, spacecraft, payload elements such as antennas and optical benches). This extensive interest in composites is due to their mechanical properties (i.e., high strength and stiffness associated with a low density) and also to the near-zero value, positive or negative, of their coefficient of thermal expansion. This latter characteristic is due to the design of the composite (i.e., choice of fibers, fiber arrangement, and resin content).

A particular point that Matra wished to examine was the effect of space environment on the thermal expansion stability of such products. The thermal expansion stability is a sensitive parameter that assures the desired performance of optical instruments such as telescopes and optical benches. This performance is related to short-term stability, which is assured simultaneously by the thermal control system and the low and stable coefficient of thermal expansion of the structure. Long-term dimensional changes that may occur (for instance, moisture desorption) are often compensated by a refocusing mechanism.

Photograph Classification: None

Associated Photograph(s):
LaRC - None
KSC - None
JSC - None

Back to Experiments Page

LDEF Archive System Home Page