Improvement of Low-Temperature Impact Value of Sandwich-Structural (CFRP/ABS/CFRP) Laminate Plies by Homogeneous Low-Energy Electron Beam Irradiation (HLEBI)

Abstract

Experimental results show applying homogeneous low-energy electron beam irradiation (HLEBI) treatment of 0.30 MGy to both sides of sandwich structural CFRP/ABS/CFRP composite constructed of an ABS core between two thin plies of carbon cross textile fiber/epoxy CFRP apparently increased Charpy impact values, a uc at all fracture probabilities, P f at temperatures of 77, 200 and 300 K, within the low temperature range of aircraft operation and below the minimum of reusable launch vehicle operation in space reported as 116 K. At median-P f = 0.50 a uc was increased 98% from 11.4 to 22.5 kJ m ¹2 at low temperature of 77 K, while the HLEBI increased a uc at P f = 0.50 221% and 25% at 200 and 300 K, respectively. Although the lowest statistical impact value calculated by the 3-parameter Weibull equation, a s at P f = 0 (a s ) was reduced in the 200 K samples, a s was improved for the 77 and 300 K samples. The lower a s for the 200 K samples is probably the result of high scatter in the data although the a uc was remarkably improved at all experimental P f . In general, the a uc increased with test temperature. Optical observation shows the HLEBI appears to increase the a uc by preventing brittle shattering of the ABS core in the 77 and 200 K samples, and increasing core ductility in the 300 K samples. Within the outer single CFRP plies the HLEBI strengthens by generating dangling bonds in the epoxy matrix as micro-compressive forces increasing adhesion to the fibers by terminated atoms by Coulomb attractive force. Since calculated HLEBI penetration depth, D th into the sample was less (119 µm) than the 265 µm CFRP ply thickness, it is possible the strengthened plies carried the load protecting the ABS core. It is also possible the highly conductive carbon fibers transferred charge to the ABS core, generating dangling bonds and/or polarizing the ABS polymer strengthening the ABS itself preventing shattering.

Research on Sound Absorption Properties of Tri-Periodic Minimal Surface Sandwich Structure of Selective Laser Melting Titanium Alloy

“…Sandwich structure is a multifunctional composite material, with heat dissipation, 1) impact resistance, 2,3) vibration and noise reduction, 4,5) and other characteristics. Sandwich structure types mainly include foam sandwich structure, 6) honeycomb sandwich structure, 7) lattice sandwich structure 8) and so on.…”