Stress-Controlled Fatigue Testing of E-Glass Epoxy Composite: Monitoring of Micro-Damage

Abstract:

The paper deals with progressive and fatigue damage of long fiber E-glass epoxy composite, its residual stiffness degradation and corresponding transverse matrix crack density induced by load-controlled tension. Constant-amplitude fatigue tests in repeated tension of plain [±60]_S; [±30]_S; [0]₈ and [0/90₂/±45/90]_S samples were performed. Sudden onset of transverse matrix cracking and consequent gradual increase of its density has been observed in off-axis plies. The crack density increases with increasing number of cycles or load. Consequently, residual stiffness of the laminate decreases. It has been concluded that progressive/fatigue damage of the laminate is not a continuous homogenous process but the series of discrete sudden events emerging at ply level.

• Periodical: Applied Mechanics and Materials (Volume 732)
• Pages: 143-146
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.732.143
• Online since: February 2015
• Authors: Petr Měšťánek*, Vladislav Laš
• Keywords: Composite, E-Glass/Epoxy, Fatigue, Progressive Damage, Stiffness Degradation, Transverse Matrix Cracking

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