Session: 03-09-01: Materials for Extreme Environments

Paper Number: 152495

152495 - UV Radiation Effects on the Performance of Aerospace Composites 

The aerospace industry is increasingly adopting composite materials for spacecraft, satellites, and commercial aircraft such as those produced by Airbus and Boeing, where these materials make up an ever-growing percentage of the structures. Fiber-reinforced polymer composites, in particular, offer higher specific mechanical properties compared to traditional materials, making them ideal for weight-sensitive applications. Beyond their mechanical advantages, these composites are non-magnetic, a feature that prevents interference with the spacecraft’s magnetic compass, which is crucial for spacecraft skin. Additionally, polymer composites are used in space missions for shielding against cosmic radiation. Despite this widespread use, the effects of cosmic radiation on the mechanical properties of polymer composites currently employed in spacecraft remain underexplored.

This study aims to investigate how exposure to Ultra Violet (UV) ligt impacts the mechanical performance of structural composite materials, focusing on the intensity and duration of UV exposure. Specifically, this study examines the degradation of E-glass/epoxy composites under different radiation conditions. A series of composite samples was prepared, with one set kept as a control (unexposed) and other sets subjected to varying intensities and durations of UV light. The mechanical properties of these composites were then tested to evaluate the extent of exposure-induced degradation.

The research revealed that UV exposure has a significant impact on the flexural properties of the E-glass/epoxy composites. Mechanical testing indicated a clear correlation between the intensity and duration of radiation exposure and the degree of property degradation. Samples exposed to higher levels of radiation and for longer durations experienced more pronounced reductions in mechanical performance, particularly in terms of flexural stiffness and strength. This deterioration is attributed to the breakdown of the covalent bonds within the composite matrix, which weakens the material's structural integrity.

Understanding the extent to which UV exposure affects composite materials is crucial for their use in aerospace applications, as these materials are expected to withstand harsh environments over extended periods. The results of this study provide valuable insights into how UV exposure can compromise the mechanical reliability of polymer composites used in aerospace structures. Moreover, the ability to predict mechanical property degradation induced by UV is a significant asset in the design phase of aerospace components, allowing engineers to better anticipate material performance.

Presenting Author: Diego Zuniga University of Houston-Clear lake

Presenting Author Biography: Diego Zuniga is a senior-year mechanical engineering student at the University of Houston-Clear Lake. He is also a research assistant working on polymer composites manufacturing, characterization, and service life prediction. His research is supported by the US Department of Education. Diego is a first-generation mechanical engineering students and very much appreciative to the funding agency to allow him to pursue research in the area of advanced manufacturing of composites.