Modelling Behaviour of a Carbon Epoxy Composite Exposed to Fire: Part II-Comparison with Experimental Results.

Pauline Tranchard,Sophie Duquesne,Bruno Estèbe,Fabienne Samyn,Serge Bourbigot

doi:10.3390/ma10050470

Pauline Tranchard, Sophie Duquesne + Show 3 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/ma10050470

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Abstract

Based on a phenomenological methodology, a three dimensional (3D) thermochemical model was developed to predict the temperature profile, the mass loss and the decomposition front of a carbon-reinforced epoxy composite laminate (T700/M21 composite) exposed to fire conditions. This 3D model takes into account the energy accumulation by the solid material, the anisotropic heat conduction, the thermal decomposition of the material, the gas mass flow into the composite, and the internal pressure. Thermophysical properties defined as temperature dependant properties were characterised using existing as well as innovative methodologies in order to use them as inputs into our physical model. The 3D thermochemical model accurately predicts the measured mass loss and observed decomposition front when the carbon fibre/epoxy composite is directly impacted by a propane flame. In short, the model shows its capability to predict the fire behaviour of a carbon fibre reinforced composite for fire safety engineering.

Highlights

In a virtual testing approach, the development of predictive tools of the thermophysical behaviour of composite exposed to fire is an ambitious objective and one that is very promising
It fully described complex physical, thermal and chemical phenomena. All of these analyses provide crucial data to validate a methodology developed for modelling the behaviour of a composite laminate exposed to fire
This two-part paper reports on the modelling of the thermochemical behaviour of a carbon fibre reinforced epoxy laminate exposed to fire

Summary

Introduction

In a virtual testing approach, the development of predictive tools of the thermophysical behaviour of composite exposed to fire is an ambitious objective and one that is very promising. A previous work on the fire behaviour of the T700 carbon fibre-reinforced M21 epoxy resin composite laminate has been done [1]. It fully described complex physical, thermal and chemical phenomena (thermal expansion inducing formation of cracks, thermal degradation of the resin, internal pressure phenomenon, gas migration through the material, and thermal delamination). All of these analyses provide crucial data to validate a methodology developed for modelling the behaviour of a composite laminate exposed to fire.

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