NO-OVEN, NO-AUTOCLAVE PROCESSING FOR NASA COMPOSITE STRUCTURES

摘要

Cornerstone Research Group’s (CRG) no-oven, no-autoclave (NONA) composite processingrnenables the fabrication of high-performance composite parts without the limitations imposed byrnautoclaves and ovens. We are actively expanding the NONA technology toolbox to enablernfabrication of large, single-piece composite structures and to provide a low-cost manufacturingrnoption for high-performance composite tooling. We have worked with NASA to significantlyrnadvance the technology readiness level (TRL) of NONA. Recognizing the challenges faced inrnthe fabrication and use of composite tooling, we have examined NONA performance inrnmaintaining vacuum integrity through cyclic thermal and mechanical loading, dimensionalrnaccuracy of both tool and finished parts, coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) compatibility,rnquality surface finish, and infusion process compatibility. We have demonstrated theserncapabilities at various scales, including the fabrication of a NONA honeycomb sandwichrnstructure with a 127 cm x 66 cm core and a 117 cm x 107 cm curved NONA composite tool forrnfabrication of test panels relevant to NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS). We have nearlyrncompleted a comprehensive mechanical characterization of NONA carbon composites forrncomparison to benchmark aerospace material systems.