Preparation and research of ultra-thin thermoplastic composite TRAC boom

doi:10.19936/j.cnki.2096-8000.20230728.009

Abstract

Abstract: Thin-ply prepreg composites show great potential applications in space deployable antenna, solar sail and photovoltaic surface owing to their good elastic strain energy regulation, storage characteristics, and folding deployable structures. This paper introduces ultra-thin carbon fiber reinforced polyamide 6 (CF/PA6) composites and fabricate into TRAC boom using vacuum-assisted hot pressing in an asymmetric ply sequence. Firstly, 1 mm thick one-way laminate was prepared with CF/PA6 composites with a thickness of 0.045 mm and 0.105 mm, respectively, and the flexural performance test and the comparative analysis of the micromorphology after bending failure were carried out. Then, the composite TRAC boom was prepared by asymmetric layup design method and vacuum hot pressing primary molding process. Experimental tests were carried out on the unfolding behavior of the TRAC boom flange and the folding and flexural bearing behavior. The results show that the thickness of the single layer is reduced by 57%, and the bending strength and bending modulus of the laminate are increased by 24.8% and 17%, respectively, which effectively inhibits the interlayer crack propagation of the composite material. The layup structure directly affects the unfolding and closing deformation behavior of the TRAC boom, increasing the proportion of 0° paving, and the specific stiffness and specific strength of the TRAC boom are improved. The experimental results provide a basis for the design and performance evaluation of the deployable structure of thermoplastic composites.

Key words: ultra-thin, thermoplastic composites, carbon fiber, TRAC boom, deployable

CLC Number:

TB332

MA Xinqi, ZONG Wenbo, ZHANG Zhuqing, JIANG Lin, SANG Lin, WU Haihong. Preparation and research of ultra-thin thermoplastic composite TRAC boom[J]. COMPOSITES SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING, 2023, 0(7): 65-71.

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