Impact damage and CAI strength of MR50K/PETI5 carbon/tough-polyimide composite at room and high temperatures

Abstract

This study determined the compression-after-impact (CAI) behavior and strength of a carbon/tough-polyimide composite material, MR50K/PETI5, whose PETI5 resin has been specially developed for the next generation supersonic transport (SST) at NASA. First, an impact test imposed impact damage on CAI specimens at room temperature, and the load and absorbed energy were measured; in addition, the damage was examined with an ultrasonic C-scanner and a 3D ultrasonic inspection system. Second, CAI strength and failure strain were measured at room temperature and at 180° C. Third, the damage induced by the CAI test was examined with an optical microscope. Test results were compared with those of T800H/PMR-15 carbon/polyimide composite, where PMR-15 is a typical brittle resin, and the characteristic CAI behavior and strength of a carbon fiber/highly-tough resin composite were determined.

Keywords:

• CFRP
• MR50K/PETI5
• T800H/PMR-15
• CAI STRENGTH
• CAI FAILURE STRAIN
• IMPACT DAMAGE
• 3D DAMAGE IMAGE
• COMPRESSIVE FAILURE MODE