SYMPOSIA PAPER Published: 01 January 1996
STP16131S

Thermomechanical Fatigue of Polymer Matrix Composites

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The present research was undertaken to evaluate the effects of mechanical constraint on the response of polymer matrix composites during thermal cycling. Analytical and experimental techniques were used to characterize the response of carbon-fiber-reinforced cyanate ester and bismaleimide composites. Cross-ply laminates were subjected to thermal cycles from 24 to 177°C in the unconstrained, fully constrained, and overconstrained conditions. Laminate response, damage mechanisms, and residual compressive properties were characterized for each material and degree of constraint. The results of this research indicate that the level of constraint can have a significant effect on the response of polymer matrix composites during thermal cycling. However, longer-term testing is required to determine if the observed changes in response will ultimately affect the final failure mode and fatigue endurance of the materials.

Author Information

Strait, LH
Applied Research Laboratory, State College, PA
Koudela, KL
Applied Research Laboratory, State College, PA
Karasek, ML
Applied Research Laboratory, State College, PA
Amateau, MF
The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
Runt, JP
The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
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Details
Developed by Committee: E08
Pages: 39–66
DOI: 10.1520/STP16131S
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-5341-7
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-2029-7