Abstract
Abstract. Fiber-reinforced-polymer composites (FRPs) possess superior mechanical properties and formability, making them a desirable material for construction of large optimized mechanical structures, such as aircraft, wind turbines, and marine hydrokinetic (MHK) devices. However, exposure to harsh marine environments can result in moisture absorption into the microstructure of the FRPs comprising these structures and often degrading mechanical properties. Specifically, laminate static and fatigue strengths are often significantly reduced, which must be considered in design of FRP structures in marine environments. A study of fiberglass epoxy unidirectional and cross-ply laminates was conducted to investigate hygrothermal effects on the mechanical behavior of a common material system used in wind applications. Several laminates were aged in 50 ∘C distilled water until maximum saturation was reached. Unconditioned control and the saturated samples were tested in quasi-static tension with the accompaniment of acoustic emission (AE) monitoring. Cross-ply laminates experienced a 54 % reduction in strength due to moisture absorption, while unidirectional laminate strengths were reduced by 40 %. Stress–strain curves and AE activity of the samples were analyzed to identify changes in damage progression due to aging.
Highlights
1.1 Composites and renewable energy technologiesFiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) offer desirable properties for development of large mechanical structures, such as wind turbines and more recently marine hydrokinetic (MHK) devices
Cross-ply laminate strengths were reduced by 54 %, while the [0]2 and [90]2 laminates experienced 39 and 41 % strength reductions, respectively
The fiberglass–epoxy system tested in this research experienced significant strength reductions after hygrothermal aging
Summary
Fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) offer desirable properties for development of large mechanical structures, such as wind turbines and more recently marine hydrokinetic (MHK) devices. High specific strength and stiffness, the ability to tailor the anisotropic properties, and low costs make FRPs the primary choice for optimizing the design of energy-harvesting devices (Samborsky et al, 2012). As wind energy becomes a more dominant energy source, and as MHK technology progresses, it is paramount to understand how FRPs perform throughout a device’s designed lifetime. This means characterizing material degradation from environmental exposure. Effort is made to characterize the effect of moisture on composites on a coupon level, which can provide insight to subsequent component and structure design
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
