Effects of Notch Geometry and Moisture on Fracture Strength of Carbon/Epoxy andCarbon/Bismaleimide Laminates

摘要

Cross-ply panels of various ply orientations and 1 to 2-mm thickness were testedin tension with a center notch to determine the translaminar fracture toughness and in bending with no notch to determine the bulk flexural strength and modulus. Carbon/epoxy panels with a variety of notch lengths and widths were subjected to laboratory air conditions before testing. Carbon/bismaleimide panels with one basic notch configuration were tested in three pretest exposure conditions: laboratory air; a 4000-hour exposure in a controlled moisture chamber; and a 4000-hour exposure in a natural tropical environment.