PROPERTIES OF COMPOSITE-MATERIALS FOR CRYOGENIC APPLICATIONS

Composite materials are used in a wide variety of cryogenic applicatio ns because of their unique and highly tailorable properties. These cry ogenic applications of composites may be, for the sake of discussion, classified as support structures, vessels, or electrical insulation. E xamples of these applications are presented, with a brief discussion o f the critical material properties associated with each application. C omposite material properties data, including mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties from the literature, are reviewed. Fabrication c onsiderations and radiation effects are also discussed. (C) 1998 Elsev ier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.