Title: 3D Woven Composite End Ring for SLS Class Structures: Tool Design, Manufacturing, and Characterization

Authors: Benjamin A. Dietsch, Karl M. Gruenberg, Michael D. Rauscher,Thomas J. Margraf, and Kenneth N. Segal

DOI: 10.33599/nasampe/c.19.0736

Abstract: The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Space Technology and Mission Directorate (STMD), through its Game Changing Development (GCD) Program has undertaken the Composite Technology for Exploration (CTE) project to enable the technology infusion of lightweight composite joint concepts into future exploration missions such as Space Launch System (SLS) class vehicles. These structures are highly loaded, up to 8.4 meters in diameter, and enable NASA's exploration to the moon and Mars and beyond. A detailed design of a 3D woven, C-channel shaped composite material end ring was developed by NASA. CRG designed the manufacturing process for RTM-molding of the C-Channel in conjunction with Spintech with the objective of meeting the resin content and dimensional requirements provided by NASA. The tooling and manufacturing process considered resin viscosity characteristics, thermal profile of the resin and tool, resin cure requirements, process design for manufacturability, and accommodations for part spring-in due to resin cure characteristics. Of particular interest to the team was to show that the preform could be molded to meet the project objectives. This effort demonstrates feasibility of manufacture of light weight composite end rings for these large highly loaded structures and highlights considerations for future tool design and RTM processing of 3D composite preforms relative to finished component dimensional accuracy.

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Conference: CAMX 2019

Publication Date: 2019/09/23

SKU: TP19-0736

Pages: 13

Price: $26.00