The Immersed Fatigue Response of Polymer Composites.
Abstract
The effect of sea water on carbon/epoxy cross ply specimens is studied by consideration of fatigue data and failure modes. Tests were conducted using dry and saturated coupons fatigued in air, as well as pre-saturated coupons fatigued while immersed in sea water. The saturated coupons fatigued in air had the longest fatigue life, which was attributed to stress relief from sorption induced swelling. Saturated coupons fatigued in an immersed environment exhibited the shortest fatigue life, and also experienced significant delaminations prior to failure. Water trapped inside the transverse cracks during the load cycle provides a physical mechanism explaining this behavior. An analytical and numerical analyses are presented which show how moisture inside the transverse cracks can alter the coupon stress state and enhance delamination. (MM)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 02, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADA303696
Entities
People
- L. V. Smith
- Y. J. Weitsman
Organizations
- University of Tennessee