Abstract
Thermal and mechanical properties of advanced composite materials have been studied in order to examine their applicability to cryogenic use. Carbon, silicon carbide and alumina fiber unidirectionally reinforced epoxies were prepared as advanced composite materials and their cryogenic properties were compared with that of glass fiber reinforced epoxy. Thermal conductivity and thermal contraction have been measured in both directions parallel and perpendicular to fibers in the temperature range down to liquid helium and liquid nitrogen temperature, respectively. In order to investigate mechanical properties, four point flexural test was also performed at room, liquid nitrogen and liquid helium temperature and Young's modules and breaking stress were calculated. Considering the specific modules and the ratio of breaking stress to thermal conductivity, the advanced composite materials are found to be suitable for cryogenic structural support members.
