PROPERTIES OF COLD-TO-WARM SUPPORT STRAPS

In cryogenic equipment, composite straps are sometimes used for struct ural support and thermal isolation of the cryogenic system from the wa rm structure. Composite straps reinforced with unidirectional fibres a re loaded in tension. In straps with carbon fibre reinforcement, very strong tensile strengths (up to 3.5 GPa) have been reported. Recent st udies, at 295, 76, and 4 K, have clarified the effects of spool diamet er on the strengths of carbon fibre reinforced straps. For straps rein forced with E-and S-glass, carbon, and alumina fibres, this paper revi ews the relevant mechanical and thermal properties from 295 to 4 K: el astic, tensile, fatigue, thermal contraction, and thermal conductivity . Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.