Compression Testing of Continuous P-100 Fiber Reinforced Glass Matrix Composite Tubes

Four glass matrix composite tubes reinforced with continuous P-100 carbon fiber were fabricated at United Technologies Research Center on an Office of Naval Research program using hot isostatic pressing. These tubes were supplied to Southern Research Institute for compression testing as part of an NSWC program to evaluate composite materials for satellite applications. The resulting properties of the four tubes exceeded the NSWC program requirements and were comparable to those of carbon-carbon tubes that had been previously evaluated at Southern Research. This equivalent mechanical performance together with the demonstrated atomic oxygen resistance, thermal damage tolerance, temperature capability to 1200 degrees C, and ease of fabrication suggests that carbon fiber reinforced glass matrix composites may offer acceptable performance for structural satellite applications. Original contains color plates: All DTIC/NTIS reproductions will be in black and white.