Micromechanics analysis of space simulated thermal stresses in composites. I - Theory and unidirectional laminates. II - Multidirectional laminates and failure predictions

Journal Article · Sun Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 1991 · Journal of Reinforced Plastics and Composites; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1177/073168449101000506· OSTI ID:6110940

Bowles, D E; Griffin, Jr, O H ^[1]

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1. NASA, Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA (United States) Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg (United States)

A micromechanics analysis is used to study the effects of constituent properties on thermally induced stresses in continuous fiber reinforced composites. A finite element formulation is described, and results are presented for unidirectional carbon/epoxy laminates. It is shown that significant stresses develop in composites exposed to thermal excursions typical of spacecraft operating environments and that the fiber thermoelastic properties have a minimal effect on the magnitude of these stresses. The finite element micromechanics analysis is then extended to the study of multidirectional laminates using a simple global/local formulation. Damage initiation predictions are compared with experimental data, and factors controlling the initiation of damage are identified. Ways of improving the durability of composites are discussed. 31 refs.

• OSTI ID: 6110940
• Journal Information: Journal of Reinforced Plastics and Composites; (United States), Journal Name: Journal of Reinforced Plastics and Composites; (United States) Vol. 10; ISSN 0731-6844; ISSN JRPCD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
360603* -- Materials-- Properties
CARBON FIBERS
COMPOSITE MATERIALS
CRYSTAL STRUCTURE
EPOXIDES
FAILURES
FIBERS
FINITE ELEMENT METHOD
LAYERS
MATERIALS
MICROSTRUCTURE
NUMERICAL SOLUTION
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PETROCHEMICALS
PETROLEUM PRODUCTS
PLASTICS
REINFORCED MATERIALS
REINFORCED PLASTICS
STRESS ANALYSIS
STRESSES
SYNTHETIC MATERIALS
THERMAL STRESSES