Journal Published Online: 01 March 1993
Volume 15, Issue 1

The Influence of Stress Ratio and Temperature on the Fatigue Crack Growth Rate Behavior of ARALL®

CODEN: JCTRER

Abstract

The fatigue crack growth rate behavior of ARALL® (aramid-reinforced aluminum laminate) was investigated as a function of stress ratio and temperature. The particular material was ARALL-3, a 7475-T76 aluminum alloy laminate. Tests were conducted for stress ratios of 0.1 and 0.5 at temperatures of 21, 82, and 93°C (70, 180, and 200°F) using a center-cracked panel geometry (measurements were made in English units and converted to SI units). The objective was to examine the contributions of the effects of crack closure and fiber bridging of the crack on the material behavior. Crack closure was monitored throughout the tests using compliance measurements. Fractography was used to investigate the influence of temperature on the integrity of the aluminum to epoxy/fiber bond to try to identify the effects of fiber bridging. Some crack closure, in the traditional metallic material sense, was evident through compliance measurements. However, the crack tip bridging by the fibers appears to be the dominant mechanism influencing the fatigue crack growth rate behavior in this material under these test conditions. Fractography indicates a considerable difference in fiber-bridging behavior between the room temperature and the elevated temperature tests.

Author Information

Salivar, GC
Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL
Gardini, CA
Government Engine Business, Pratt and Whitney, West Palm Beach, FL
Pages: 6
Price: $25.00
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Details
Stock #: CTR10353J
ISSN: 0884-6804
DOI: 10.1520/CTR10353J