An investigation of hygrothermal aging effects on high strain rate behaviour of adhesively bonded composite joints

Abstract

Composite materials have vast range of engineering applications because of their outstanding mechanical performance, low density and cost effectiveness. Marine industry and naval structures are one of the applications where composites are gaining importance rapidly however, there are confronted with extreme environmental conditions in addition mechanical behaviour. Therefore, it is important to comprehend the behaviour of these materials not only under mechanical loads but also under environmental effects. For that reason, the objective of this paper is to study the effects of hygrothermal aging phenomenon on the behaviour of adhesively bonded composite joints at high strain rates. Dynamic compressive properties and microstructural damage progression is analysed utilizing the Split Hopkinson Pressure Bars (SHPB) technique. The stress-strain behaviour of composite specimens subjected to severe hygrothermal conditions have been studied at high strain rates ranging from 445 to 1240 s−1. In addition, Keyence and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) is used to study the significant damage modes. The results indicated change in dynamic properties and damage behaviour because of the environmental effects.