ORCID
- Meng, Maozhou: 0000-0001-6138-9433
- Rizvi, Jahir: 0000-0001-9773-7129
Abstract
Abstract This paper investigates the hygrothermal effects on the failure mechanisms in bending of carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites. Accelerated diffusion testing was carried out by immersion at 50°C constant temperature and 70 bar hydrostatic pressure to study the effects of fresh or sea water diffusion into pre-preg CFRP laminates. Consequently the composite laminates were tested in bending after 1 and 3 months’ immersion. A three-dimensional finite element analysis (FEA) model was developed to couple the moisture diffusion, hygrothermal expansion and bending. Optical and field emission scanning electronic microscope (SEM) were employed to analyse the failure mechanisms of CFRP composites in bending after immersion. The study showed that the mechanical properties are significantly reduced after short term immersion due to the edge effects, while the damage to the fibre/polymer interface becomes more significant to laminate degradation after longer-term immersion.
DOI
10.1016/j.compstruct.2015.08.016
Publication Date
2015-08-06
Publication Title
Composite Structures
ISSN
0263-8223
Organisational Unit
School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics
Keywords
CFRP, Moisture diffusion, FEA, Failure mechanism, Interlaminar shear
Recommended Citation
Meng, M., Rizvi, M., Grove, S., & Le, H. (2015) 'Effects of hygrothermal stress on the failure of CFRP composites', Composite Structures, . Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compstruct.2015.08.016
