Abstract
AbstractDegradation of composites properties with water absorption is a severe threat to its application in marine structures and humid environments. Real life composite structures often work under mixed mode loading. In this paper, Glass fiber composite has been investigated for the influence of sea water aging on the fracture toughness under mixed mode loading. Glass fiber/epoxy specimens were immersed for 21 and 35 days in sea water. Controlled mixed mode loading was applied using mixed mode bending fixture. Dry and moisture‐saturated specimens were tested for fracture toughness over the room temperature by varying lever length of MMB apparatus. Under mixed mode loading the strain‐energy release rate decreased with increase in moisture content. The approximate decrease in fracture toughness was observed 31% and 48.55%, respectively, for 21 and 35 days specimens as compared with dry specimen. Scanning electron microscope analysis revealed interfacial debonding to be leading failure mechanism, representing a strong effect of sea water degradation on fracture toughness results.
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.
