| About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2024 ASC Technical Conference, US-Japan Joint Symposium, D30 Meeting
|
| Symposium
|
2024 ASC Technical Conference, US-Japan Joint Symposium, D30 Meeting
|
| Presentation Title |
Evaluation of Low Viscosity Epoxy Repair Resins for Delamination Injection Repair |
| Author(s) |
Hiruni H. Perera, Justin T Massey, Hyonny Kim |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Hiruni H. Perera |
| Abstract Scope |
A common failure that occurs on polymer matrix composites (PMC) is delamination which can be induced by various phenomena including manufacturing defects and damage incurred during service and maintenance. Resin injection is an industry-standard technique used to repair delaminated composite materials using laminating resins EA9396 and EA956. This repair method is lower cost, less invasive, and faster than patch repairs, making it appealing for reduction of labor and material costs. However, the efficacy of this method is undercut by the difficulty of filling small cracks (< 1 micron) due to the laminating resin viscosity (~3500 cP at 25°C). Current injection repair process are considered non-structural due to repetitive drilling and incomplete crack filling. An investigation is ongoing on epoxies that have significantly lower viscosity and provide suitable service temperature. Testing is conducted to characterize the epoxies’ material and mechanical properties such as shear strength, glass transition temperature (Tg), viscosity, and porosity. Evaluation of two downselected epoxies has been done using a modified end-notched flexure (ENF) specimen made with carbon/epoxy. Ultrasonic pulse-echo C-scans were taken of the coupons post-repair to discern the area filled and provide feedback on the parameters of the injection process. The repair resins’ restoration of Mode II interlaminar fracture toughness (GIIc) and stiffness show a marked increase in GIIc, even approaching full recovery. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Definite: Post-meeting proceedings |