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Off-Axis Fatigue of Graphite/Epoxy Composite
Book chapter

Off-Axis Fatigue of Graphite/Epoxy Composite

J Awerbuch and H T Hahn
Fatigue of Fibrous Composite Materials, pp 243-273
01 Jan 1981
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1520/STP27624S

Abstract

Acoustic Emission Composite Materials Failure Modes Fatigue (materials) Fatigue Tests Graphite/epoxy Composites Off-Axis Fatigue Residual Strength
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.

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