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NOne given. Paper covers properties of composite materials.

The response of a unidirectional composite plate of infinmite lateral dimensions.

Ultrasonic testing system yields data on elastic constants of matrix/fiber laminated composite material. Related to one described in "Ultrasonic System Measures Elastic Properties of Composites" (NPO-18729). Tests performed nondestructive, and involve access by ultrasonic probes to only one side of material specimen. In comparison with other available ultrasonic testing systems, this system relatively inexpensive, and based on testing technique that is simpler and rapidly yields more-accurate results.

The critical role played by adhesive bonds in lap joints is well known. A good knowledge of the mechanical properties of adhesive bonds in lap joints is a prerequisite to the design and reliable prediction of the performance of these bonded structures. Furthermore, the lap joint may be subject to high-temperature environments in service. Early detection of the degree of thermal degradation in adhesive bonds is required under these circumstances. A variety of ultrasonic nondestructive evaluation (NDE) techniques can be used to determine the thickness and the elastic moduli of adhesively bonded joints. In this paper we apply a previously developed technique based on the leaky Lamb wave (LLW) experiment to investigate the possibility of characterizing the thermal degradation of adhesive bonds in lap joints. The degradation of the adhesive bonds is determined through comparison between experimental data and theoretical calculations.

Measurements with leaky Lamb waves yield data on properties and defects of panels. System nondestructively measures elastic properties of, and defects in, panel of laminated fiber/matrix material. Ultrasonic transducers operating in pitch/catch mode excite and detect leaky Lamb waves in specimen. Elastic properties of specimen and defects within it characterized from dispersion curves of Lamb waves.

Composite structural components may be subjected to a variety of defects resulting in a sharp reduction in their load carrying capacity or even catastrophic failure. Thus, it is extremely important to have the means to monitor the degradation suffered by critical components of a structure for safe operation during its service life. A nondestructive method based on ultrasonics has recently been developed for the quantitative evaluation of composite structural components during service. The experimental part of the technique uses a two-transducer, pitch-catch type arrangement to generate a variety of elastic waves within the specimen immersed in water. The recorded reflection data are then analyzed by means of a theoretical model to back out the relevant properties. In this paper the method is applied to determine the stiffness constants of unidirectional graphite/epoxy materials. The measurements are shown to be efficient and sufficiently accurate so that it can be used for early detection of material degradation in composite structural elements during service.

A recently developed ultrasonic techique which has been successful in monitoring the integrity of advanced structures is described. The technique is based on a two-transducer contact type arrangement that can be used to determine the dispersion curves of guided waves generated within the specimen. The phase velocity of antisymmetric plate waves is determined through spectral analysis of signals recorded from a lead break source on the surface of graphite epoxy laminates. The influence of all five stiffness constants on the dispersion curves of both symmetric and antisymmetric plate waves is theoretically investigated for propagation at 0, 45, and 90 deg to the fibers. All but c12 were found to have a strong influence on the dispersion curves in this frequency range. The fit with the theoretically predicted dispersion curves was excellent for propagation parallel and perpendicular to the fibers in the unidirectional specimen and good for the other cases considered.