Macroscopic and microscopic deformation and failure processes that control composite toughness
Stress-optical microscopy and fracture topography studies of a variety of fibrous composites are presented and discussed in terms of the composite macroscopic and microscopic deformation and failure processes. Composite toughening mechanisms associated with the fiber failure processes and fiber-matrix interfacial strength are discussed. Molecular flow in the composite matrix, which enhances composite toughness, occurs either in the form of macroscopic homogeneous plastic flow or inhomogeneously in the form of crazing or shear banding. The physical parameters that control the toughening mechanisms in epoxy, thermoplastic and polyimide composite matrices are discussed. Effects of service environment exposure on the elimination of these toughening mechanisms which results in composite embrittlement are also considered.
- Research Organization:
- Lawrence Livermore National Lab., CA (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-48
- OSTI ID:
- 5530066
- Report Number(s):
- UCRL-91366; CONF-8503142-1; ON: DE85012938
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: ASTM symposium on toughened composites, Houston, TX, USA, 13 Mar 1985
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Structure - property relations of high-temperature composite polymer matrices
Macroscopic fracture behavior: Correlation with microscopic aspects of deformation in toughened epoxies