Statistical Creep Failure Time of Unidirectional CFRP

Abstract

A prediction method for the statistical creep failure time of polymer composites using the statistical static strengths of polymer composites measured at various temperatures is proposed based on Christensen’s model of viscoelastic crack kinetics. Then the static strengths at various temperatures under tension loading along the longitudinal direction of unidirectional CFRP are measured experimentally and statistically using numerous resin impregnated carbon fiber strands (CFRP strands). The creep failure time of unidirectional CFRP is predicted statistically based on the prediction method using statistical static strengths at various temperatures. Finally, the creep failure times of unidirectional CFRP at a constant load and a temperature are measured experimentally and statistically using many CFRP strands for comparison with predicted values. Results show that the statistical creep failure time of unidirectional CFRP is predictable using the statistical static strengths of unidirectional CFRP, because the experimental creep failure times agree well with the predicted ones.