Title: HYDROSTATIC PROCESSING OF UHMWPE COMPOSITES USING DISTRIBUTED ELASTOMER NETWORKS

Authors: Alex Vanarelli, John J. Tierney, Michael Yeager, Jeffrey Staniszewski, Travis A. Bogetti, John W. Gillespie Jr.

DOI: 10.33599/nasampe/s.23.0261

Abstract: Current methods of producing high performance UHMWPE composites require high pressure hydrostatic conditions that are not achievable using classical linear translation male-female tools. Hydroclave type processing can solve this problem by using a high-pressure fluid chamber to apply normal pressures to complex curvatures like helmets but is costly in terms of capital investment.
This paper presents a solution for low-cost production of high-performance ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) composites using a combination of fluid and solid segmented elastomer networks that create a uniform pressure distribution within the mold. The individual segments minimize buildup in shear within the volume, and on the surface of doubly curved structures during mold closure ensuring uniform normal force is applied to the composite structure. Results have shown that a variety of segment formats from solid and fluid filled tubular networks provide uniform pressure distribution to the part surface. This solution can also be considered as an alternative to high-cost autoclave processing by ensuring uniform pressure is applied to complex curvature components.

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Conference: SAMPE 2023

Publication Date: 2023/04/17

SKU: TP23-0000000261

Pages: 13

Price: $26.00