High-toughness graphite/epoxy composite material experiment

Abstract

This experiment was designed to measure the effect of near space exposure on three mechanical properties of specially toughened 5208/T300 graphite/epoxy composite materials. The properties measured are elastic modulus, strength, and fracture toughness. Six toughness specimens and nine tensile specimens were mounted on an external frame during the time of the Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) mission. Three identical sets of specimens were manufactured at the outset: the flight set, a zero time non-flight set, and a total time non-flight set. To date, two toughness specimens and three strength and modulus specimens have been tested from each of the three groups.