先進複合材料の熱的・機械的低温特性

Abstract

Thermal and mechanical properties of advanced composite materials have been studied in order to examine their applicability to cryogenic use. Carbon, silicon carbide and alumina fiber unidirectionally reinforced epoxies were prepared as advanced composite materials and were compared with glass fiber reinforced epoxy. Thermal conductivity and thermal contraction have been measured in both directions parallel and perpendicular to fibers down to liquid helium and liquid nitrogen temperatures, respectively. To investigate mechanical properties, a four-point flexural test was also performed at room, liquid nitrogen and liquid helium temperatures, and Young’s moduli and breaking stress were calculated. Considering the specific modulus and the ratio of breaking stress to thermal conductivity, the advanced composite materials are found to be suitable for cryogenic structural support members.