Influence of Temperature on the Fatigue Life of a Quasi-isotropic Gr/Ep Laminate

Abstract

This paper describes the development and results of a tension-tension fatigue life test program. The fatigue life of a quasi-isotropic graphite/epoxy laminate was experimentally measured at three temperatures: −195°C, 22°C, and 121°C. To perform testing at these temperatures a supplemental gripping fixture and a cold cell were designed and manufactured. Issues addressed during the test program include failure of the gripping system, grip-induced failure of the test laminate, and temperature stability. The test results showed that the test laminate’s nominal fatigue life improved when tested at −195°C, and decreased when tested at 121°C.