Sage Journals: Discover world-class research

Abstract

A simple technique is presented for characterizing crack growth in compos ite materials subjected to a hostile environment. The method, based on linear-elastic frac ture mechanics (LEFM), retains the simplicity of constant-strain testing while greatly in creasing the observed crack growth. Load is applied using a rigid frame in series with an extension spring. The enhancement of crack propagation leads to a more accurate assess ment of long-term environmental cracking susceptibility. Crack growth rates were measured in fiberglass/epoxy double-cantilever beam (DCB) specimens to verify the theory for stress-corrosion-cracking (SCC). No SCC threshold was observed for the fiberglass/epoxy in distilled water. Applicability to corrosion-fatigue (CF) testing is dis cussed.

Keywords

Fracture-mechanics environmental-cracking stress-corrosion corrosion- fatigue fiberglass epoxy composite materials long-term spring compliance.

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

Reifsnider, K.L. , K. Schulte and J.C. Duke. Long Term Behavior of Composites , ASTM STP 813, pp. 136-159 (1983).

Dharan, C.H.K. J. Engineering Materials and Technology , 100:233-247 (1978).

Bradley, W.L. and R.N. Cohen. Delamination and Debonding of Materials , ASTM STP 876, pp. 389-410 (1985).

Drzal, L.T. and M.J. Rich. Recent Advances in Composites in the U.S. and Japan , ASTM STP 864, pp. 16-26 (1985).

Brown, B.F. and C.D. Beachem. Corrosion Science, 5:745-750 (1965).

Russell, A.J. and K.N. Street. Composite Materials: Testing and Design (Eighth Conference), ASTM STP 972, pp. 259-277 (1988).

Irwin, G.R. Handbuch der Physik, Springer-Verlag, Berlin, 6:551-590 (1958).

Whitney, J.M. , C.E. Browning and W. Hoogsteden. J. Reinforced Plastics and Composites , 1:297-313 (1982).

Ashbee, K.H.G. and R.C. Wyatt. Proc. Roy. Soc. London, Ser. A , 312:553-564 (1969).

10.

Devitt, D.F. , R.A. Schapery and W.L. Bradley. J. Composite Materials , 14:270-285 (1980).

11.

Ripling, E.J. , S. Mostovoy and R.L. Patrick. Materials Research and Standards , 4:129-134 (1964).

12.

Williams, J.G. J. Composite Materials , 21:330-347 (1987).

13.

Kinloch, A.J. Epoxy Resins and Composites I, K. Dusek, Ed., Advances in Polymer Science Series, Springer-Verlag, NY 72:45-67 (1985).

Environmental Testing Using a Compliant Load-Frame

Abstract

Keywords

Get full access to this article

References