An Investigation of Edge Damage Development in Quasi-Isotropic Graphite Epoxy Laminates.
Abstract
This investigation describes and documents in detail the initiation, growth, and interactions of damage along the free edges of two types of graphite/epoxy fiber-reinforced composite laminates. The damage is initiated by tensile static loading of flat coupons from each type to three different stress levels. Growth of the damage was caused by tension-tension fatigue loading. The laminates that were investigated differed only by stacking sequence. The observations were made through the use of the replication technique, a method developed for the purpose of this investigation. This technique allows for three-dimensional, instantaneous recordings of the entire specimen edge while it is under maximum load. The recordings or impressions can be studied microscopically and photographed. This method provides for detail and an overall field of vision that has not been obtained in previous studies. The damage development was also monitored by two non-destructive techniques; vibrothermography and an ultrasonic-pulse echo method.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1977
- Accession Number
- ADA045656
Entities
People
- David O. Stalnaker
- Wayne W. Stinchcomb
Organizations
- Virginia Tech