Fiberglass-Epoxy in a Conical Superconducting Field Magnet Support

Abstract

A conical fiberglass-epoxy field magnet support was designed for use in a 2.2-MW (3000-hp) superconducting motor. The cone design was based upon cryogenic static mechanical property data published by Toth et al. [^l] for a type 1581 S-glass/E-787 epoxy resin composite. The cone tested in this program, however, was fabricated with type 1581 S-glass cloth in an epoxy resin system known as NASA Resin 2. To check the material properties against design criteria, flat panels of composites of the glass cloth were tested with both types of resin. All tests were run to failure in tension, compression, and shear at 350, 295, 76, and 4 K. The parameters measured were moduli, strengths, failure strains, and Poisson’s ratios. Another objective was the measurement of the cone’s axial spring constant at 295 and 76 K as a function of axial compressive force up to 89 kN (20,000 lb). Because the component EMPOL 1040 in the NASA Resin 2 formulation is known to decrease the composite strength above room temperature, the cone was also tested at 350 K.

Supported by the Naval Ship Research and Development Center, Annapolis, Maryland.