Experimental and numerical analysis of loading rate and temperature effects on matrix cracking in CFRP laminates

Abstract

As a consequence of their use in structural parts of supersonic aircraft, laminated composite materials have to withstand long periods at high temperature. The study presented here aims to characterize the transverse matrix cracking of a carbon/epoxy material subjected to tensile loading. Tensile tests have been performed on {0₃/90₃}_s laminates at three temperatures (20, 70 and 120°C) and three crosshead velocities (0.01, 1 and 10mm/min). Transverse matrix crack development is described for the nine corresponding experimental conditions. An LEFM approach is used to analyse the results concerning the first crack onset. After the validity of such an approach has been discussed, the focus is placed upon variations in the material resistance to transverse matrix cracking with temperature and loading rate.

Keywords

carbon/epoxy composite matrix cracking strain energy release rate temperature loading rate

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

Ogi

Takao

Modelling a creep behaviour of cross-ply laminates with progressive transverse cracking

Advd Composite Mater., 1999, 8 (2), 189–203.

Ogi

Takao

Modelling of time-dependent behaviour of deformation and transverse cracking in cross-ply laminates. 12th International Conference on

Composite Materials (ICCM12), Paris, France, 5–9 July 1999.

Henaff-Gardin

Lafarie-Frenot

M. C.

Specificity of matrix cracking development in CFRP laminates under mechanical or thermal loadings

Int. J. Fatigue, 2002, 24, (2–4), 171–178.

Henaff-Gardin

Lafarie-Frenot

M. C.

Doubly periodic matrix cracking in composite laminates. Part 1: General in-plane loading

Composite Struct., 1996, 36 (1–2): 113–130.

Henaff-Gardin

Lafarie-Frenot

M. C.

Doubly periodic matrix cracking in composite laminates. Part 2: Thermal biaxial loading

Composite Struct., 1996, 36 (1–2): 131–140.

Henaff-Gardin

Lafarie-Frenot

M. C.

The use of a characteristic damage variable in the study of transverse cracking development under fatigue loading in cross-ply laminates

Int. J. Fatigue, 2002, 24 (2–4), 389–395.

Brinson

H. F.

Matrix dominated time dependent failure predictions in polymer matrix composites

Composite Struct., 1999, 47, 445–456.