Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic Components for Aerospace Use,
Abstract:
An outline is given of the development history of Royal Aircraft EstablishmentRAE carbon fibre reinforced plastics. Initially, development was inhibited by poor interlaminar shear strength. However, composite properties have improved since the advent of various surface treatments derived by the fibre producers. Present work indicates certain criteria by which resins are selected for use as a matrix with the two available types of RAE fibre. These are more critical for filament wound cylindrical components than for pressed flat laminates, as shown by levels of fibre compaction achieved on hoop wound NOL rings and helically wound tubes. Currently, the strength data fall well below that available if the full strength of the single fibre or bundle is utilised. However, the majority of the fibre stiffness has been achieved in unidirectional composites. Illustrations are shown of a carbon fibre reinforced plastic and honeycomb sandwich satellite structure which has been constructed to investigate the efficacy of methods selected for laminating polygonal cylindrical shapes, the subsequent adhesive bonding and the final machining to complete the structural assembly