Research on E-glass fibers with diameters between 0.001 in. and 0.010 in. was conducted to determine both their physical and mechanical properties, and their potential as structural elements in filament-wound circular specimens subjected to external pressure. It was found that the 0.005-in. diameter fiber combined with a high-strength epoxy resin produced in a ring specimen an ultimate composite compressive stress over 300,000 psi. A special process was developed to protect the large diameter fibers from mechanical damage and to control the resin content. Cylindrical unidirectionally and bidirectionally wound specimens demonstrated the strength potential of the large fiber composite by improving the buoyancy efficiency in comparison to standard E-glass roving specimens. Problem areas for further optimization of the large diameter fiber composite are outlined.
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