Effects of Water Saturation and Low Temperature Coupling on the Mechanical Behavior of Carbon and E-Glass Epoxy Laminates

Abstract

AbstractAdvanced composite materials exhibit many desirable characteristics which make them viable candidates for utilization in harsh marine environments. An experimental investigation has been conducted to quantify the effects of coupled water saturation and low temperatures on the mechanical and dynamic behavior of E-glass and carbon epoxy laminates. The relative performance of the materials as a function of water saturation and decreasing temperature was characterized through detailed experiments, specifically in-plane (tensile/compressive) and shear material properties, static and dynamic Mode-I fracture, and impact/flexure after impact strength. The temperature range considered in the study corresponds to a range from room temperature (20 °C) down to Arctic seawater and extreme ocean depth conditions (−2 °C). The materials utilized in the study, carbon/epoxy and E-glass/epoxy, are chosen due to their primary interest to the marine and undersea vehicle communities. The results of the mechanical and dynamic material experiments show that all properties are affected by both water saturation and decreasing temperature, although the trends are specific to the property of consideration.KeywordsComposite materialsLow temperaturesMechanical characterizationWater ingressionDynamic mechanical analysis