ISSN: 0884-6804
CODEN: JCTRER
Page Count: 5

Research Briefs
Highsmith, AL
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, VA

Reifsnider, KL
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, VA

Davis, RC
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, VA

Chiao, TT
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, VA

Abstract

At moderate load levels, compatible with design-level load spectra, cracks develop in plies which are oriented at large angles to principal tensile load directions. These cracks occur because the matrix strength (or allowable strain) is exceeded. The only mechanical property that is significantly influenced by these cracks is stiffness. However, the manner in which stiffness changes is rather complex, and the manner in which stiffness-sensitive response changes may be even more complex. Two such classes of response are vibration and stability characteristics, both of which may show large changes as a result of rather small stiffness variations. To understand such complex response changes it is first necessary to understand the changes in the stiffness components themselves. This article outlines some recent results of an effort to pursue this latter objective. In particular, the nature of the changes in the tensile, compressive, and bending stiffness induced by tensile fatigue loading is discussed.

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Paper ID: CTR10696J
DOI: 10.1520/CTR10696J
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