About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2027 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
Materials and Manufacturing in Space
|
| Presentation Title |
Laser bending of carbon fiber-reinforced polyphthalamide composites for in-space structural forming |
| Author(s) |
Ben R. Srodka, Nathan Fripp, Tianchen Wei, Victoria Miller, Peter Ifju, Curtis Taylor |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Ben R. Srodka |
| Abstract Scope |
Laser bending is a non-contact forming process that enables precision shaping of structural materials without tooling, making it particularly attractive for in-space manufacturing and repair applications where conventional forming equipment is unavailable. While laser bending is well established for metals, its application to fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites remains largely unexplored. This study investigates laser bending of carbon fiber-reinforced polyphthalamide (CF/PPA) composites for in-space structural forming. The low thermal conductivity of unreinforced PPA limits heat penetration, causing surface decomposition before a sufficient thermal gradient can develop across the panel thickness. PPA is therefore compounded with short fibers, milled fibers, and graphite powder, improving thermal conductivity and formability. Multiple formulations are compared to optimize tensile properties and bend angle response. Optical microscopy, DSC crystallinity analysis, and FTIR spectroscopy are conducted to analyze thermally induced microstructural changes and surface layer degradation in the heat-affected zone. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: |
| Keywords |
Shaping and Forming, Composites, Polymers |