FATIGUE DAMAGE IN WOVEN CARBON FABRIC/EPOXY LAMINATES AT NON-AMBIENT TEMPERATURES

Abstract

The mechanisms involved in initiation and development of non-ambient temperature fatigue damage in Plain Weave-Woven Carbon fabric/epoxy Composite laminates is explored. Laminates obtained from prepreg woven carbon fabric layers were subjected to tension-tension cyclic loading at –20oC, 0oC, 24oC 100oC and 150oC. Two different stacking sequences, a unidirectional [0]8, and an angle plied [0,0,45,-45]s sequence were studied. Optical microscopy, enhanced-dye penetrant X-ray radiography, and scanning electron fractography were employed to examine the fatigue damage mechanisms operative at various temperatures. Temperature was found to have a significant effect on the fiber/matrix bonding and interply delamination characteristics of these woven carbon fabric/epoxy laminates.