Measurement of Diffuse Damage due to Environmental Stress in Polymer Matrix Composites Laminates

摘要

The aim of the present paper is to propose a mixed theoretical/experimental methodology to assess environmental damage development and progression in polymer matrix composites. The methodology consists in employing 0/90 unsymmetric samples for continuous monitoring of the degradation mechanisms occurring in composite materials and due to the environment. First, the elasto-fragile behaviour of 0/90 unsymmetric samples under environmental loadings is modelled by employing an explicit damage ply law based on micromechanics models and homogenisation based techniques. The model is then employed to simulate the response of the samples under complex environmental test conditions; such loading conditions are fully representative of those which can be encountered during the life of composite structures in service.