Hostname: page-component-586b7cd67f-2brh9 Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-25T15:25:59.173Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

Failure Problems In Composites

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 February 2011

Frederick J. Mcgarry
Frederick J. Mcgarry*
Affiliation:
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Materials Science and Engineering, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139
Get access

Abstract

Fiber reinforced polymer matrix composites have become very useful in chemical processing systems, in transportation applications such as automobiles, aircraft and boats, in electrical hardware and in sports equipment. Failures in these rarely involve gross cohesive fracture; usually leaks develop, the stiffness decreases, local delamination occurs, the dielectric properties degrade or the strength declines. Almost all of these failures can be traced to local cracking, either at the fiber matrix interface or within the matrix itself. The cracks are generated by mechanical loads, by thermal excursions or by fluid absorption, because the relevant properties of the fiber and the matrix often differ by orders of magnitude. Current technology attempts to avoid the cracks by maximizing the fiber-matrix adhesion and great progress has been made in this area. An alternative interposes a thin compliant layer, rubber, between the two constituents thereby reducing the stress concentrations which exist because of their greatly different properties. Cracking is inhibited, composite strength is increased and its energy absorption also rises; if the rubber layer is thin (a few thousand Angstroms) no loss of stiffness or heat resistance is evident.

Type
Research Article
Information
MRS Online Proceedings Library (OPL) , Volume 255: Symposium Z – Hierarchically Structured Materials , 1991 , 185
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 1992

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

1. Stanworth, J.E., Physical Properties of Glass, Oxford U. Press, London, (1953).Google Scholar
2. Schmitz, G.K. and Metcalf, A.G., Stress Corrosion of E-Glass Fibers, I & E C Prod. Res. & Dev., Vol 5, pl. A.C.S. (March 1966).CrossRefGoogle Scholar
3. Fowler, T.J., Blessing, J.A. and Conlisk, P.J., New Directions In Testing, Procs. Third Intl. Sym. on Acoustic Emission from Composite Materials, Paris, (July 1989). See also: Recommended Practice for Acoustic Emission Testing of Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic Resin (RP) Tanks/Vessels, published by the Composites Institute, Society of the Plastics Industry, New York, (1987).Google Scholar
4. Fowler, T.J., Monsanto Chemical Co. 1991 (private communication).Google Scholar
5. Paul Ouellette and Hoa, S.V., Fatigue of Glass Fiber Reinforced Polyester Laminates, Polymer Composites, Vol.7, No. 1 (February 1986).CrossRefGoogle Scholar
6. Mandell, J.F., Huang, D.D., and McGarry, F.J., Tensile Fatigue Performance of Glass Fiber Dominated Composites, Composites Technology Review, Vol 3, No 3 (1981).CrossRefGoogle Scholar
7. Hertzberg, R.W. and Manson, J.A., Fatigue of Engineering Plastics, Academic Press, New York (1980).Google Scholar
8. Osborn, J.W., Effect of Full Flexural Fatigue on the Strength of Composites, S.M. Thesis, M.I.T., (January 1991).Google Scholar
9. Lubin, G. and Donohue, , Real Life Aging Properties of Composites, 35 Ann. Tech. Conf., Ref. Plastics/Composites Institute, Soc. Plastics Industry, Paper 17-E (1980).Google Scholar
10. Fisher, J.M., et al, Study of Failure Characteristics In Thermoplastic Composite Materials at 250°F, Jrl. Comp. Tech. & Res. Vol 13, No 3, ASTM (1991).CrossRefGoogle Scholar
11. Evans, R.E. and Masters, J.E., A New Generation of Epoxy Composites for Primary Structural Applications: Materials and Mechanics, ASTM, STP Toughened Composites (1987).Google Scholar
12. Otto, W.H., Owens-Corning Fiberglass Corp. (1950's) (private communication).Google Scholar
13. McGarry, F.J., Thin Elastomer Films in Glassy Polymers, Adv. in Chem. Series 222, Ed. by Riew, C.K., A.C.S. (1989).Google Scholar
14. Jao, S.H., Studies of Interface Properties and Influence of Fiber Coating in Composite Materials, ScD Thesis, M.I.T. (1990).Google Scholar
15. Abbott, L.M., Effects of Rubber Coated Fibers on the Strain to First Crack in Sheet Molding Compound Composites, S.B. Thesis, M.I.T., (1991).Google Scholar
16. The Wood Handbook, Forest Prods. Lab., U.S. Dept. Agriculture (1974).Google Scholar