Aerospace Application related Articles from the Polymer Library
'Aerospace Applications' Abstracts
January 2009
The following abstracts relate to Aerospace-themed records recently added to the Polymer Library. By clicking on the 7 digit accession number or title, a Copyright Cleared copy of the full-text article can be ordered. For more information about accessing the Polymer Library please view our Subscription Information webpage.
| 1030590 | PEEL BEHAVIOUR OF AIRCRAFT FUEL TANK SEALANTS: THE EFFECT OF PEEL ANGLE, SEALANT LAYER THICKNESS AND PEEL RATE |
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The effects of various parameters, including peel angle, sealant layer thickness and peel rate, on the peel behaviour of two aircraft fuel tank sealants using a previously developed, modified peel specimen. Sealants studied were a two-component epoxy cured polythioether polymer with a service temperature range from -55 to +160 degrees C and a two-component manganese dioxide cured, liquid polysulphide with a service temperature ranging from -55 to +130 degrees C. Experiments were carried out at 5 different peel angles in the range from 90 to 180 degrees using 7 sealant layer thicknesses in the range from 0.1 to 5 mm. The results were analysed in terms of peel energy and explained in terms of the amount of energy dissipated by the sealants upon deformation up to fracture. A relationship for predicting peel energy was derived. 34 refs.
Journal of Adhesion Science and Technology, 22, No.13, 2008, p.1495-1522, ISSN: 0169-4243, DOI: 10.1163/156856108X309521 Giannis S; Adams R D; Clark L J; Taylor M A | |
| 1030047 | AEROSPACE COMPOSITES GET SELF-HELP TREATMENT (short article) |
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Researchers at Bristol University have developed a technique that could pave the way to self-repairing composites in demanding applications such as aerospace, it is briefly reported. The team has managed to fill hollow glass fibres in the composite structure with resin and hardener. If the fibres are broken, as might result from the impact of a stone on an aircraft surface, the resin and hardener are released to ooze out and cure. The researchers say the composite can recover up to 80-90% of its original strength. This approach can deal with small-scale damage that is not obvious to the naked eye, but which might lead to serious failures in structural integrity if it escapes attention. By mixing a fluorescent dye into the resin, any ‘self-mends' can be easily pinpointed during subsequent ground inspections.
European Plastics News, 35, No.10, Nov.2008, p.14, ISSN: 0306-3534 | |
| 1030018 | POLYIMIDE NANOCOMPOSITE PROTECTS SPACE VEHICLES (short article) |
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It is briefly reported that a colourless, sprayable polyimide nanocomposite coating that protects spacecraft from radiation and atomic oxygen erosion has reportedly been developed by ManTech International. Called Corin XLS, the polyimide nanocomposite was developed as a coating for high-strength fibres exposed to atomic oxygen and UV degradation in low-earth orbit.
Advanced Materials and Processes, 166, No.11, Nov.2008, p.18, ISSN: 0882-7958 | |
| 1029865 | ADHESIVE BONDING: PROVIDING IMPROVED FATIGUE RESISTANCE AND DAMAGE TOLERANCE AT LOWER COSTS |
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With the introduction of adhesive bonding as a replacement for mechanical fastening in aircraft structural components, the mechanical performance of these components can be improved by avoiding stress concentrations. The effect of bonded joint geometry on the stress distribution was examined and the influence of parameter variation on optimisation of the design and the efficiency of the joints was determined. It was shown that combining mechanical fastening and a structural adhesive improved the fatigue strength of a riveted joint significantly, while at the same time the assembly costs could be lowered. Adhesives could be used to manufacture laminated structures that showed better damage tolerance properties than solid monolithic materials and it was shown that by adding high strength fibres to the adhesive bondline of these laminates the fatigue and damage tolerance properties improved markedly. Examples of these structures are presented, together with the effect on weight and cost saving. 19 refs.
SAMPE Journal, 44, No.5, Sept.-Oct.2008, p.6-15, ISSN: 0091-1062 Kwakernaak A; Hofstede J C J | |
| 1029630 | ENHANCED HDPE USED IN RADIATION SHIELDING (short article) |
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"Borotron HD050" is an HDPE formulation produced by Quadrant Engineering Plastic Products of the USA. It is enhanced with 5 percent elemental boron, and is being used to manufacture radiation shielding materials, for use in therapy rooms, nuclear power plants and research centres, power generation areas, and spacecraft. Brief details are offered in this small item.
High Performance Plastics, Oct.2008, p.5, ISSN: 0264-7753 | |
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