Investigation of the mechanical properties of carbon and glass fibres exposed to cryogenic temperatures and cryogenic cycling

Kelly, Lewis and Yang, Liu and Liggat, John J. and Minty, Ross (2024) Investigation of the mechanical properties of carbon and glass fibres exposed to cryogenic temperatures and cryogenic cycling. In: 21st European Conference on Composite Materials, 2024-07-02 - 2024-07-05.

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Abstract

The need for lightweight storage vessels has grown in recent years with the potential utilisation of liquid hydrogen as a fuel source in aircraft. Fibre-reinforced polymer vessels have been recognised as a potential solution due to their exceptional mechanical properties and lightweight nature. However, due to the cryogenic temperatures endured when storing liquid hydrogen, the composite material will be potentially exposed to temperatures considerably below the glass transition temperature. Thus, fundamental studies are required to understand the effects this will have on the mechanical properties of the fibre, matrix, and fibre-matrix interface in addition to the effects of natural convection, cryogenic shock, and cryogenic cycling between refuelling. This paper presents a methodology and findings from mechanical testing and surface analysis of individual fibres before and after cryogenic fatigue. Results for glass fibre reveal fluctuations in mean diameter and tensile strength but remain within error unless a film former is present. With a film former in the glass fibre size an increase in diameter and decrease in tensile strength is observed after one cryogenic cycle which stabilises with further cycling. It is concluded that cryogenic cycling does not significantly affect the fibre diameter and tensile strength of carbon fibre by the method used in this paper.

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