Matrix dominated failure in plain weave fabric composites subjected to tension-tension fatigue loads

摘要

The fatigue behavior of woven fabric composites subjected to a tension-tension fatigue load in the off-axis direction, namely in the bias (45°direction, has been investigated. The fatigue failure is matrix dominanted. Two types of matrices are used to impregnate E-glass woven fabric composites, namely a toughened epoxy and a vinyl ester matrix. Both composites were subjected to fatigue loads at a maximum applied stress of 80 MPa, where the plastic deformation has already been reached. The fatigue performance of both composites was related to the hysteresis heating that occurs in the specimens. The hysteresis heating is studied with respect to the material ductility, fatigue frequencies and fatigue ratios.