Fatigue Behavior of a Quasi-Isotropic Graphite/Epoxy Laminate Embedded with a Piezoelectric Sensor
Abstract
This study primarily investigated the mechanical effects of embedding piezoelectric sensors on the tensile and fatigue strength of a quasi-isotropic, carbon-epoxy laminate. A secondary focus was the investigation of the sensor degradation under tensile loading. A O\+/-45\90s laminate was fabricated from Hercules AS4/3501-6 pre-preg tape. Specimens were first tested monotonically to obtain an average ultimate tensile strength and to detail the progression of damage. The fatigue tests were tension-tension, R=0.1, 10 Hz, constant amplitude. Results indicated that the embedded piezoelectric sensors did not have a significant effect on the tensile strength of the laminate. Specimens with embedded sensors showed a more extensive decrease in stiffness, but a lesser degree of overall delamination due to edge effects. The embedded sensors functioned consistently at the manufacturer suggested operational range, but degraded rapidly thereafter.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA336892
Entities
People
- Jon M. Coleman
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology