Coupled Simulation of Hygrothermal Aging Effects on Residual Strength of Open Hole Composite Laminates

摘要

Rx-FEM methodology was extended to progressive damage analysis in laminated composites in a range of moisture exposure and elevated temperature conditions. The mechanical property dependence was experimentally determined in independent testing and used as input characteristics as a function of moisture distribution and temperature. Moisture diffusion modeling in the presence of evolving matrix cracking and delaminations was performed to capture the moisture intake through additional pathways created by damage. A tensile fatigue loading of a [60/0/-60]s CFRP laminate under amplitude of 0.9 static strength at R=0.1 was considered with 1 hour hold every 3600 cycles in saturated moisture conditions. The damage patterns and moisture content profiles showed strong correlation. Overall, however, the comparison of coupled simulations with constant dry and saturated property simulation showed only a very small effect of moisture at room temperature loading and a discernible effect on residual strength within the range of analysis performed.