Design fabrication and test of graphite/polyimide composite joints and attachments for advanced aerospace vehicles
Graphite/polyimide (Gr/PI) bolted and bonded joints were investigated. Possible failure modes and the design loads for the four generic joint types are discussed. Preliminary sizing of a type 1 joint, bonded and bolted configuration is described, including assumptions regarding material properties and sizing methodology. A general purpose finite element computer code is described that was formulated to analyze single and double lap joints, with and without tapered adherends, and with user-controlled variable element size arrangements. An initial order of Celion 6000/PMR-15 prepreg was received and characterized.