This article reviews several theoretical approaches for lifetime predictions proposed for polymer and polymer-based matrix composites. All these theories can be classified as global and homogenous approaches. Actually, regarding engineering applications, the global and homogeneous analyses are more convenient. Fracture mechanics, damage mechanics, and energy-based failure criteria are presented and illustrated with published experimental data.
Reiner M., Weissenberg K.A thermodynamic theory of the strength of the materials. Rheol Leaflet1939; 10: 12-20.
2.
Teoh SH, Cherry BW, and Kaush HHCreep rupture modelling of polymers. Int J Damage Mech1992; 1: 245-256.
3.
Teoh SHComputational aspects in creep rupture modelling of polypropylene using an energy failure criterion in conjunction with a mechanical model. Polymer1990; 31: 2260-2266.
4.
Boey FYC , Teoh SHBending creep rupture analysis using a nonlinear criterion approach. Mater Sci Eng1990; A123: 13-19.
5.
Raghavan J., Meshii M.Prediction of creep rupture of unidirectional carbon fiber reinforced polymer composite. Mater Sci Eng A1995; 197: 237-249.
Guedes RMMathematical analysis of energies for viscoelastic materials and energy based failure criteria for creep loading. Mech Time-Depend Mater2004; 8: 169-192.
8.
Guedes RMLifetime predictions of polymer matrix composites under constant or monotonic load. Composites: Part A2006; 37: 703-715.
9.
Hunter SCTentative equations for the propagation of stress, strain and temperature fields in viscoelastic solids. J Mech Phys Solids1961; 9: 39-51.
10.
Miyano Y., Nakada M., and Sekine N.Accelerated testing for long-term durability of FRP laminates for marine use . J Compos Mater2005; 39: 5-20.
11.
Miyano Y., Nakada M., and Nishigaki K.Prediction of long-term fatigue life of quasi-isotropic CFRP laminates for aircraft use. Int J Fatigue2006; 28: 1217-1225.
12.
Zhurkov SNKinetic concept of the strength of solids. Int J Fract1984; 26: 295-307.
13.
Knauss WGDelayed failure-the Griffith problem for linearly viscoelastic materials . Int J Fract1970; 6: 7-20.
14.
Kostrov BV, Nikitin LVSome general problems of mechanics of brittle fracture. Arch Mech Stos (English version) 1970; 22: 749-776.
15.
Christensen RMLifetime predictions for polymers and composites under constant load. J Rheology1981; 25: 517-528.
16.
Schapery RATheory of crack initiation and growth in viscoelastic media. 1. Theoretical development. Int J Fract1975; 11: 141-159.
17.
Schapery RATheory of crack initiation and growth in viscoelastic media. 2. Approximate methods of analysis. Int J Fract1975; 11: 369-388.
18.
Schapery RATheory of crack initiation and growth in viscoelastic media. 3. Analysis of continuous growth. Int J Fract1975; 11: 549-562.
19.
Leon R., Weitsman YJTime-to-failure of randomly reinforced glass strand/urethane matrix composites: Data, statistical analysis and theoretical prediction. Mech Mater2001; 33: 127-137.
20.
Corum JM, Battiste RL, Ruggles MB, and Ren W.Durability-based design criteria for a chopped-glass-fiber automotive structural composite. Compos Sci Technol2001 ; 61: 1083-1095.
21.
Christensen RMAn evaluation of linear cumulative damage (Miner’s Law) using kinetic crack growth theory. Mech Time-Depend Mater2002; 6: 363-377.
22.
Kachanov LMOn the time to failure under creep conditions . Izv Akad Nauk SSR, Otd Tekhn Nauk1958 ; 8: 26-31.
23.
Stigh U.Continuum damage mechanics and the life-fraction rule. J Appl Mech2006; 73: 702-704.
24.
Naghdi PM, Murch SAOn the mechanical behavior of viscoelastic/plastic solids. J Appl Mech1963; 30: 321-328.
