SEDL / STP / STP723-EB / STP27624S

Off-Axis Fatigue of Graphite/Epoxy Composite

Awerbuch, J
College of Engineering, Drexel University, PhiladelphiaPa.

Hahn, HT
Washington University, St. Louis, Mo.

Pages: 31    Published: Jan 1981

Download this paper for $25 PDF (756K)          View License Agreement
Abstract

Off-axis static and fatigue behavior of AS/3501-5A graphite/epoxy was studied in an effort to characterize the matrix/interface-controlled failure. Seven different off-axis angles were tested: 0, 10, 20, 30, 45, 60, and 90 deg. Initial (static) and post-fatigue residual strength were obtained together with S-N relationships. Fracture surfaces were examined through photomicrographs and stereo (three-dimensional) scanning electron microscope (SEM) photographs, in order to delineate failure modes, and the results of these inspections are discussed. The off-axis static strength, including scatter, was fully characterized by a polynomial and a nondimensional strength parameter. Essentially, no strength or modulus degradation was observed in the specimens surviving fatigue loading of 10⁶ cycles regardless of the off-axis angle or fatigue stress level. When fatigue stress level is normalized with respect to static strength, all data seem to fall on the same S-N curve. Fatigue failure occurred without any warning or visible damage. Matrix failure characteristics vary with off-axis angle and appear in the form of serrations and axial and transverse cracks. Large scatter in life was observed at all off-axis angles; however, since the number of specimens employed in the present study is not sufficient to provide meaningful statistical S-N data, a more detailed investigation of the off-axis (and angle ply) behavior of graphite/epoxy composites is warranted.