Abstract: This paper describes a thermal cycling test in vacuum of antenna paraboloidal reflector, small model and specimen, made of two carbon fibre sheets and one aluminum honeycomb core and gives the approach for predi- cting the permanent distortions. During thirty thermal cycles between -144℃ and +117℃ the temperature distribution and corresponding distortions were measured and some experimental data and diagram were given.On the basis of relationship between permanent distortion and thermal cycling number, we present mathematical model in terms of power function. Using this model the permanent distortion and work life in long term under thermal cycling can be predicted based on a few test data.

Key words: Composite, Aerospace material, Vacuum test, Temperature cycling test, Plastic deformation, Preduction.