Abstract
Because of applications of composites in space and in low temperature equipment, low temperature mechanical properties of glass fiber-reinforced epoxy have to be assessed. Experimental or analytical investigation on the tensile failure behavior of glass/epoxy laminated composite with/or without stress concentration subjected to thermo-mechanical static loadings at low temperatures has not been done yet. In the present work, a model was developed to perform the progressive failure analysis of quasi isotropic composite plates at low temperatures. The initial failure load is calculated by means of an elastic stress analysis. The load is increased step by step. For each given load, the stresses are evaluated and the appropriate failure criterion is applied to inspect for possible failure. For the failed element, material properties are modified according to the failure mode using a non-zero stiffness degradation factor. Then, the modified Newton–Raphson iteration is carried out until convergence is reached. This analysis is repeated for each load increment until the final failure occurs and the ultimate strength is determined. The present method yields results in a reasonable agreement with the experimental data at room temperature and −60°C. The effect of low temperature on the failure mechanism of the plates was also determined.
Highlights
Fiber reinforced composite materials have been increasingly used as structural members in many structures such as airplane
The stresses are evaluated and the appropriate failure criterion is applied to inspect for possible failure
The only difference is that the stress-strain curve in this case showed insignificant nonlinearity before reaching the maximum stress, which is due to the nature of the plasticity of epoxy
Summary
Fiber reinforced composite materials have been increasingly used as structural members in many structures such as airplane. The advantages of these materials are derived from their high strength, stiffness and damping together with low specific weight. Low temperature mechanical properties of glass fiber-reinforced epoxy have to be assessed, because of composite materials are subjected to low temperatures in service. Experimen‐ tal or analytical investigation on the tensile failure behavior of glass/epoxy laminated composite with/or without stress concentration subjected to thermo-mechanical static loadings at low temperatures has not been done yet. The modified Newton–Raphson iteration is carried out until convergence is reached This analysis is repeated for each load increment until the final failure occurs and the ultimate strength is determined. The effect of low temperature on the failure mechanism of the plates was determined
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.
