Abstract

This thesis investigates thermoforming of thin-ply thermoplastic composites via in-situ heating for in-space manufacturing applications. The proposed composite concept is based on combining conductive carbon nanotube (CNT) films and high-temperature thermoplastic matrix. The CNT film is made of randomly aligned carbon nanotubes, which possesses outstanding electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties. When combined with polymer matrix, it becomes a multifunctional composite structure. The thermoplastic chosen is polyether ether ketone (PEEK), which is a semicrystalline high-performance thermoplastic that has exceptional physical and mechanical properties at high temperatures. The composite structure studied is consists of a layer of CNT film sandwiched between two thin films of PEEK. The CNT acts as an in-situ conductive heater when a voltage difference is applied, and a mechanical reinforcement. The PEEK polymer impregnated with reinforcement fibers and CNT is capable of reforming by repeating the thermoforming process. The focus of this study is on developing and characterizing the manufacturing process suitable for in-space manufacturing, where CNT/PEEK can be treated as a composite prepreg capable of being reformed into different shapes on demand via thermoforming. The thermoforming of thin-ply composite structures is achieved solely via in-situ electrical heating.

Thesis Completion

2022

Semester

Fall

Thesis Chair/Advisor

Kwok, Kawai

Degree

Bachelor Science in Aerospace Engineering (B.S.A.E.)

College

College of Engineering and Computer Science

Department

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Degree Program

Aerospace Engineering

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Release Date

12-15-2022

Download

Share

COinS