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Response of resin transfer molded (RTM) composites under reversed cyclic loading

Journal Article · · Journal of Engineering Materials and Technology
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1115/1.2805933· OSTI ID:203571
; ; ;  [1]
  1. Tuskegee Univ., AL (United States). Materials Research Lab.

Compressive behavior and the tension-compression fatigue response of resin transfer molded IM7 PW/PR 500 composite laminate with a circular notch have been studied. Fatigue damage characteristics have been investigated through the changes in the laminate strength and stiffness by gradually incrementing the fatigue cycles at a preselected load level. Progressive damage in the surface of the laminate during fatigue has been investigated using cellulose replicas. Failure mechanisms during static and cyclic tests have been identified and presented in detail. Extensive debonding of filaments and complete fiber bundle fracture accompanied by delamination were found to be responsible for fatigue failures, while fiber buckling, partial fiber fracture and delamination were characterized as the failure modes during static tests. Weibull analysis of the static, cyclic and residual tests have been performed and described in detail. Fractured as well as untested specimens were C-scanned, and the progressive damage growth during fatigue is presented. Optical Microscopy (OM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) for the fractured specimen were also performed and the analysis of the failure behavior is presented.

Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
OSTI ID:
203571
Journal Information:
Journal of Engineering Materials and Technology, Journal Name: Journal of Engineering Materials and Technology Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 118; ISSN 0094-4289; ISSN JEMTA8
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English