AN INVESTIGATION OF THE MECHANICS OF FAILURE IN GLASS FIBER REINFORCED PLASTICS.
Abstract
The observed strengths of filament wound fiberglass composites are considerably below the potential strength anticipated for an ideal filament-resin composite structure. Design difficulties occasioned by the lack of ideal geometric configurations for filament winding, as well as fabrication defects and unintentional surface flaws each may contribute to a reduction from the strength of an ideal structure. The purpose of this investigation was to understand the behavior of glass fiber-resin composite materials, and particularly the mechanics of fracture. Observations and inspection of failures of composite structures indicates that fracture is progressive. Cracks are initiating in very localized regions and propagated into surrounding material. Thus the strength of a few weakest regions controls the strength of the structure, rather than the average strength of the material. Elimination of fabrication defects which initiate cracks in the composite material promises large rewards in terms of more nearly realizing the potential strength of the composite material. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1964
- Accession Number
- AD0608924
Entities
People
- H. T. Corten
Organizations
- University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign