Journal Published Online: 01 September 1986
Volume 8, Issue 3

The Effects of Radiation on the Interlaminar Fracture Toughness of a Graphite/Epoxy Composite

CODEN: JCTRER

Abstract

The effects of electron radiation on the interlaminar fracture toughness of a graphite/epoxy (T300/934) composite were investigated using the double cantilever beam (DCB) test to determine the Mode I critical strain energy release rate GIc and the edge delamination tension (EDT) test to determine the mixed Mode I and II critical strain energy release rate Gc. The effects of test temperature on the Gc of both the nonirradiated and irradiated material were determined. A miniature DCB and EDT test specimen was developed, and the results from the miniature specimens were compared with those from standard DCB and EDT test specimen geometries.

This study showed that test temperature had a significant influence on the interlaminar fracture toughness of both the nonirradiated and irradiated material. The interlaminar fracture toughness of the composite material was enhanced with radiation exposure. Dynamic mechanical analysis and scanning electron microscopy data suggested that the increased fracture toughness of the composite following irradiation could be attributed to radiation-induced matrix property changes.

Author Information

Funk, JG
NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA
Sykes, GF
NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA
Pages: 6
Price: $25.00
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Stock #: CTR10328J
ISSN: 0884-6804
DOI: 10.1520/CTR10328J