Thermal damage assessment of basalt and E-glass fiber laminates under localized heating

Abstract

This experimental study investigates the effects of localized thermal damage on basalt and E-glass fiber laminates designed for use in shear web structures. To simulate such damage, a localized radiant heat flux of 50 kW/m² was applied to the specimens. The E-glass/vinyl ester laminates were fabricated with layup sequences of [±45°/mat]s for 2-ply specimens and [±45°/mat]₂s for 4-ply specimens, while the basalt fiber laminates followed a [±45°]₂s layup. Mechanical characterization included tensile, V-notch shear, and in-plane shear tests conducted on both pristine and heat-exposed samples. In addition, shear buckling and post-buckling failure loads were evaluated. Micrograph imaging and ultrasonic inspection revealed extensive through-thickness damage in the basalt fiber laminates, which corresponded with greater degradation in tensile and shear properties compared to the E-glass specimens. Notably, the shear buckling capacity of the basalt laminates was significantly diminished after thermal exposure. The resulting data provide a quantitative assessment of the impact of localized heating on the structural performance of basalt fiber laminates.