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Effects of thermal cycle and irradiation on mechanical proreties of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) and adhesives were experimentally investigated. The IM-6/6376, toughened epoxy composite and T800/PMR-15, heat-resistant polyimide composite, and typical nine types of epoxy adhesives were selected as candidate sturctural materials for the future space applications. These materials were subjected to up to 10 MGy irradiation and/or 3000 thermal cycle (-100 °C to 100 °C) which simulates the space environment. After these conditionings, specimens were mechanicaly tested over the temperature range of -100 °C to 100 °C. The results were that the IM-6/6376 was not affected by irradiation and/or thermal cycle. this material showed essentially good overall durability performance in space environments. T-800/PMR-15 was not affected by irradiation this material showed good durability against radiation. The other hands, the adhesives was greatly affected by irradiation and/or thermal cycle.

Development of a light structure with composite materials is one of the key technologies to realize an economic HSCT(High Speed Civil Transport). FHI(Fuji Heavy Industries) has continued to investigate heat resistance polymer (thermoplastic polyimide) matrix composite materials and their application to aircraft structures since 1987 jointly with MTC (Mitsui Toatsu Chemicals), Inc[1, 2 and 3]. FHI has started Ti Honeycomb Sandwich Panel Development and Fiber/Metal Laminate Development for high temperature aircraft structures. The status of above studies FHI has ever investigated and the concerns for future studies are summarized herein.