Fatigue Behavior Of Laminates Research Articles

An empirical modified fatigue damage model for impacted GFRP laminates

The aim of the present paper is to evaluate the residual strength of GFRP laminates following a low-velocity impact event under cyclic loading. The residual strength is calculated using a linear fatigue damage model. According to an investigation into the effect of low-velocity impact on the fatigue behavior of laminates, it seems laminate fatigue life decreases after impact. By normalizing the fatigue stress against undamaged static strength, the Fatigue Damage parameter “FD” is presented with a linear relationship as its slope which is a linear function of the initial impact energy; meanwhile, the constants were attained from experimental data. FD is implemented into a plane-stress continuum damage mechanics based model for GFRP composite laminates, in order to predict damage threshold in composite structures. An S–N curve is implemented to indicate the fatigue behavior for 2mm thickness encompassing both undamaged and impacted samples. A decline in lifespan is evident when the impact energy level increases. Finally, the FD is intended to capture the unique GFRP composite characteristics.

Flexural Fatigue Behavior of Cross-Ply Laminates: An Experimental Approach

Within an experimental approach we describe the mechanical behavior of different resin-epoxy laminates reinforced with cross-ply Kevlar and glass fibers under conditions of static and cyclic three-point bending. In static tests, we consider the effect of stacking sequence, the thickness of 90°-oriented layers, reinforcement type on the mechanical behavior of laminates under loading and on realization of various damage modes leading to rupture. Cyclic loading studies have been performed in two steps. In the first stage, we inquire into the dependence of the behavior and durability of four glass fiber-reinforced laminate-types on the stacking sequence; the second stage is devoted to studying the dependence of cyclic strength and fatigue behavior of laminates on the reinforcement type. Fatigue tests are carried out in load-control regime for glass and hybrid (Kevlar + glass) fiber laminates. Fatigue curves are constructed in coordinates “stress – number of cycles until fracture” from the criteria corresponding to a drop in stiffness by 5 and 10%. Analysis of the results obtained permits evaluation of the effect of the stacking sequence and the reinforcement type on the behavior of cross-ply laminates in cyclic loading. The presence of Kevlar fibers accounts for nonlinear behavior of laminates in static tests and for low cyclic strength in fatigue tests under three-point bending.

Residual Strength of Composite Laminates Subjected to Tensile-Compressive Fatigue Loading

Results are presented on the measurements of the residual strengths of T300/934 graphite epoxy laminates, in tension and in compression, after the samples were exposed to tension-compression fatigue loading (R = -1). Four laminate ocnfigurations were tested: unidirectional, cross-ply, angle-ply, and quasi-isotropic. It was found that the fatigue behavior of laminates was dependent on the quasi-static strengths and the specific structure of the laminate. No direct correlation was found between remaining residual strengths and the percentage of average fatigue life. However, a correlation scheme was developed for the individual specimen under test, based on a cumulative damage model and a stiffness change of the material.

The effects of water absorption on a polyester/chopped strand mat laminate

The water uptake by polyester resins and a CSM polyester laminate on immersion in liquid water, and the effects of such water uptake on laminate fatigue life and residual strength after fatigue cycling until resin cracking occurs, is described. Diffusion coefficients for water sorption into three resins were determined and also an apparent diffusion coefficient for the net weight change of the laminates. It was found that the fatigue behaviour of laminates after water immersion was complicated, whilst that of unsoaked laminates agrees with expected behaviour. There was an increase in residual strength of the soaked laminates after fatigue cycling.