Abstract
This paper discusses the development of a novel test fixture for applying a uniform radial stress to cylindrical composite laminates in such a way as to eliminate bending moments and axial loads. This fixture requires the use of easily fabricated poly-tetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) ring seals. These seals, which fit just inside the composite sample, are designed to be internally pressurized in the fixture and expand outwards, applying a uniform radial load to the sample. The results of mechanics analyses of the PTFE ring seal and composite sample are presented, which estimate the radial stress applied to the composite sample as a fraction of the applied internal hydraulic pressure. Further, results are presented from a prolonged hygrothermal aging study, in which the E-glass/epoxy, cylindrically wound composite samples are aged under varying hygrothermal conditions (ambient dry; and 30, 40, and 50°C submerged in water). At various points during the aging, a subset of samples are removed and destructively test...
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