Effect of Different Environmental Conditions on the Mechanical Behavior of Plain Weave Woven Laminated Composites

Abstract

Fiber reinforced composites have been gaining wide use in the variety of applications such as military and aerospace. The performance of these composites may suffer when the material is exposed to adverse environments for long periods of time. In this research, the effect of different environmental conditions on the mechanical behavior of plain weave woven laminated composites is investigated. This material is commonly used in manufacturing of aircraft structural components. The major objective of the study is to evaluate the effects of water/humidity and temperature on the strength of woven laminated composites. The effects were studied in terms of water absorption, and degradation in mechanical properties. Test parameters include immersion time, and temperature including immersion temperature (71oC), room temperature and testing temperature (93oC). Samples were prepared and divided into the following 4 groups: Group 1- the control group that was were exposed to no water immersion and was tested at room temperature (RT); Group 2- the specimens of this group were exposed to no water immersion but was tested at high temperature (HT); Group 3- specimens of this group were exposed to hot water immersion and were tested at room temperature; Group 4- its specimens were exposed to hot water immersion (for 32days and 100 days) and were tested at high temperature. The results revealed that the different climatic conditions have a deteriorative impact on the performance of the composite. It is observed that high temperature accelerates the degradation mechanism in the composite. The highest degradation impact was under the combined effect of hot water immersion and testing at high temperature.