Ultrasonic Attenuation as an Indicator of Fatigue Life of Graphite/Epoxy Fiber Composite.
Abstract
Microscopic imperfections in graphite fiber epoxy composites may be introduced during both fabrication and service. The tendency of graphite fiber composites to fall in a quasi-brittle mode (as defined by the absence of a substantial nonlinear region in the stress-strain curve) makes these composites more sensitive than many metals to microscopic imperfections. In fatigue, failure has been described as being "like sudden death; that is, the fatigue failure occurs without any visible evidence of damage". Thus, any means of nondestructively monitoring fatigue damage or predicting fatigue behavior of graphite fiber composites is likely to enhance their effective use. The purpose of this report is to present the results of an experimental study to investigate the ultrasonic attenuation and velocity as a function of the fatigue state of a graphite fiber composite subjected to transfer compression-compression loading.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1979
- Accession Number
- ADA301730
Entities
People
- Beth Doll
- James H. Williams Jr.
Organizations
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology