Reduction of hygrothermal transverse stresses in unidirectional hybrid composites under cyclic environmental conditions

Abstract

When fiber-reinforced polymer plates are exposed to cyclic environmental conditions, polymer matrix absorbs or desorbs continuously the moisture due to the variation in service temperature and relative humidity. Both temperature and moisture concentration produce an important hygrothermal transverse stresses, which are maximum on both edges of the composite plates. These transverse stresses which are more important at first times of moisture diffusion, can produce a probable damage of composite plates. To extend the durability of our composite plate, interplay hybrid composites are adopted to reduce the transverse stresses on edges. Therefore, a variation of the relationship between thicknesses of unidirectional hybrid composites constituents AS/3501-5 and T300/5208 is carried out in order to find minimal transverse stresses. This thicknesses variation enables us to find the best configuration which gives favourable service conditions of our hybrid composite, i.e., to predict firstly a considerable reduction of hygrothermal transverse stresses at both edges of our hybrid plate, secondly to reduce or to attenuate the edge effect developed in 6 days and 6 weeks periods.