Electron Beam (EB) curing of resin and adhesive offers significant advantages for fabricating and bonding of fiber-reinforced polymer composites for ground vehicle structural components. The EB curing process reduces the time to cross-link the polymer matrix or the adhesive compared to conventional heat curing. The process allows curing at room temperature for high throughput and reduced residual stresses for good part fit-up. EB adhesive curing also prevents de-bonding of dissimilar materials that can occur during the cool-down cycle. Science Research Laboratory (SRL) has developed resins, adhesives and electron gun technology for high-energy electron beam curing and bonding of composites. This paper describes two ground vehicles that benefit from the use of electron beam cured composites and adhesives. Side armor skirts for the Army's Composite Armored Vehicle (CAV) are complex parts composed of multiple materials. Spare armor panels were fabricated using electron beams to demonstrate thick section curing. The Chrysler Composite Concept Vehicle (CCV) is fabricated from thermoplastic resin injection molded body panels that are joined using adhesive bonding. Test portions of the CCV were bonded using EB-curable adhesive to demonstrate the advantages of high-speed low-temperature bonding for automotive fabrication.
Advanced electron beam curing and bonding of ground vehicles
1998
11 Seiten, 5 Quellen
Conference paper
English
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