Mode I fracture of a carbon fiber-reinforced bismaleimide composite at cryogenic temperatures

摘要

Polymer matrix composites are being considered as the primary structural materials in cryogenic storage tanks. Potential uses of composite cryotanks include next generation reusable launch vehicles. A preliminary study was made to assess the opening Mode I interlaminar fracture performance of a carbon/bismaleimide composite material (Cytec IM7/5250-4) at both room temperature and while submersed in liquid nitrogen (-321° F). Both the Double Cantilever Beam (DCB) and Compact Tension (CT) test specimens were utilized. A comparison of the DCB and CT test results is presented.