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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.

Austempered ductile iron having a tensile strength of 1,000 MPa or more and elongation of 12 to 18% has been developed, applied to the spindle, and examined. As a result of optimization of shape, composition, and heat treatment conditions, excellent results have been obtained without any stress concentration or incomplete heat treated portion, and desired functions have been satisfied. Consequently, the spindle which had been an assembly of parts could be made integral, unsprung weight could be reduced, and higher quality became possible. In addition, it has been proved that austempered ductile iron can also be applied to the portion requiring high toughness which so far had been considered impossible with conventional ductile iron, and extending the application, such as taking the place of forgings, can be expected.