Usefulness of axial compression on the assessment of thick-walled polymer composite reinforced with continous fibers
Henryk Leda*, Szymon Kropaczewski*, Piotr Wasilewicz** *Politechnika Poznańska, Instytut Inżynierii Materiałowej, pl. M. Skłodowskiej-Curie 5, 60-965 Poznań **Politechnika Poznańska, Instytut Mechaniki Technicznej, pl. M. Skłodowskiej-Curie 5, 60-965 Poznań
Annals 3 No. 7, 2003 pages 203-208
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abstract In the test of axial compression of composite samples, with sections above 400 mm2, the effects of the long-term influence of 60oC water vapour were measured. The compression strength of the samples reinforced with carbon fibers was not affected by the steam in the testing conditions. The sample reinforced with glass fibers were losing their strength with time increase of staying in moist conditions. Composite samples with glass fibers were destroyed as a result longitudinal splitting, whereas those with carbon fibers were destroyed in two events. First a narrow streak of the sample was sheared in the proximity of the edge of fastening equipment. Then the longitudinal splitting through the whole sample along some band of fibers took place. Important factors influencing the compression strength are: modulus of the matrix and the strength of bonding between matrix and fibres. The compression test may be useful for the assessment of variations of properties of composites operating in wet environments. Key words: composite structure of aircraft, carbon-epoxy composites, mechanical properties of composites