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Experiment Title: The Effect of Space Environment Exposure on the Properties of Polymer Matrix Composite Materials

Original Principal Investigator(s): Tennyson, Dr. Rod C. - Invest. Role: Original, Tennyson, Dr. Rod C. - Invest. Role: Present, Hansen, J.S. - Invest. Role: Original,

The use of polymer matrix composites in spacecraft applications is increasing, but the effects of long-term space exposure on the mechanical properties of these materials are not fully known. Although laboratory simulation using a thermal-vacuum chamber can be employed, the correlations between these results and actual in situ behavior has not been established. Consequently, such a correlation should be made in order to provide the design engineer with appro- priate correction factors to take into account any degradation of material integrity due to various exposure times in space. Failure to do so will undoubtedly lead to structural failure resulting from material property changes. This can be particularly hazardous when using polymer matrix com- posites because molecular breakdown (due to radiation), outgassing (due to vacuum), and internal cracking, accompanied by fiber matrix separation and delamination (from thermal cycling), can result.

Photograph Classification: Flight

Associated Photograph(s):
LaRC - L90-10502
KSC - None
JSC - S32-89-052
LaRC - L84-07093
KSC - KSC-384C-221.11
JSC - None
LaRC - L90-13490
KSC - KSC-390C-1069.10
JSC - None

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