Abstract
This manuscript presents a computational investigation of the compression-after-impact (CAI) response of polymer matrix composites subjected to seawater-induced environmental degradation. A multiscale computational model that accounts for seawater-induced property degradation in composite constituents is proposed to predict the CAI response of E-glass reinforced vinyl-ester composites. Predictions of the CAI response as a function of specimen saturation are validated against experimental observations. The investigations revealed that partially-saturated vinyl-ester matrix composites undergo a significant reduction in the CAI strength, part of which is recovered upon full matrix saturation. The proposed computational model captures the response characteristics of partially- and fully-saturated specimens.
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