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Library > Fact Sheets > AFOSR: Polymer Matrix Composites
AFOSR: POLYMER MATRIX COMPOSITES
Air Force Office of Scientific Research
Aerospace, Chemical and Material Sciences Directorate
Polymer Matrix Composites
Dr. Charles Y-C Lee, Program Manager
This program addresses materials science issues relating to the use of polymer matrix carbon fiber reinforced composites and related material technologies in aerospace and space structures i.e. airframes, engine components, rocket, launch vehicles and satellites. The goal is to provide the science and knowledge base that will lead to higher performance, more durable, more affordable structures for Air Force applications. The approach is to address issues for the development of improved performance or lower cost polymer-matrix composite (PMC) systems and the processing and the utilization of these structures during deployment. Examples include resin chemistry and formulations, prepregs processing, dry preforms, lay-up operation, various injection molding techniques and cure processes. Mechanical behaviors and composite mechanics issues will also be included.
Innovative material concepts leading to higher temperature and more damage-tolerant composites, lower cost processing and fabrication, and improved materials for Air Force applications are sought. Focus on structures for hypersonic flights, space operations and launch vehicles and structures with enhanced thermal management capability are emphasized. Hybrid materials that include the use of polymer matrix carbon fiber reinforced composites for improved performance structures are encouraged. In this area, joining science in the formation of a durable and mechanically robust structure from different materials are of interest, including non destructive evaluation that can detect the degradation of mechanical strength before initiation of cracks. Materials concepts that will enable reconfigurable, adaptive and multifunctional structures are encouraged.
Current research interests include high performance resin systems that can show substantial improvement over current chemistry utilized in aerospace systems. Nanocomposite concepts that are relevant to improving or replacing current carbon fiber reinforced composites or incorporating multifunctionalities in the laminate structures are of interest. The research targets in this area can address the matrix resin, fiber, ply or laminate level.
Research that can improve the use of computational methods in accelerating new materials development and component design of polymer matrix composites is encouraged. Mechanical models that can predict matrix sensitive laminate properties are encouraged. Models that enable reliable prediction of mechanical, thermal, or thermoxidative behavior of composites with 3D complex hybrid reinforcement architecture and the design of these structures to meet requirements of extreme environments are also of interest. Of particular interest are research ideas that will directly link molecular scale modeling to micromechanical models in the context of multiscale modeling that span the molecular consideration to the performance of the component structure.
Contact:
Dr. Charles Y-C Lee
AFOSR/NA
Tele: (703) 696-7779
DSN: 426-7779
FAX: (703) 696-8449
Email: charles.lee@afosr.af.mil
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