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Abstract

In this study, a damage model that accounts for the effect of seawater ageing is proposed. The model is based on a failure criterion that takes into account the effect of the ply thickness, while the kinetics of the damage development are based on a Finite Fracture Mechanics approach. The stiffness degradation is identified by a multiscale approach. The parameters of the model are physically based which facilitates the identification and the coupling with the ageing. These and their evolution as a function of the time of immersion in seawater have been identified for a carbon/epoxy composite. The changes in crack density as a function of the applied load for three ageing times are quite well predicted by the model. The model explains why the damage threshold is strongly influenced by the ageing while the kinetics of the crack propagation remain quasi-constant.

Keywords

Polymer–matrix composites environmental degradation matrix cracking damage mechanics materials: mechanical properties/strength

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Modelling of the damage development in carbon/epoxy laminates subjected to combined seawater ageing and mechanical loading

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