ISSN: 0884-6804
Page Count: 4

Analytical/Experimental Correlations of Stiffness Properties of Unidirectional Composites
Schaffer, BG
member of technical staff, Technology Support Division, Hughes Aircraft, CA

Adams, DF
Professor mechanical engineering, Composite Materials Research Group, University of Wyoming, WY

Abstract

A finite element micromechanics analysis is used to predict the longitudinal and transverse moduli of both graphite/epoxy and glass/epoxy unidirectional composites, as a function of temperature, for various moisture preconditionings. These predictions are then correlated with corresponding experimental data. The micromechanics analysis includes temperature- and moisture-dependent matrix material properties, inelastic matrix stress-strain response, and anisotropic fibers. Thermal residual stresses caused by cooldown from the cure temperature and moisture-induced swelling stresses are included in the analysis. Good correlation is obtained between theory and experiment.

Keywords:
composite materials, graphite composites, stiffness, graphite/epoxy, glass/epoxy, unidirectional composites, micromechanics analysis, composite moduli

Paper ID: CTR10763J
DOI: 10.1520/CTR10763J
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