Effects of simultaneous compression and one-sided heat flux on the time to failure of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer composites

Abstract

The time to failure of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer composites is investigated during simultaneous compression and one-sided thermal degradation from a constant heat flux. The purpose of this investigation is to determine the rate of thermal degradation and mechanical property loss from fire exposure by observing the time to failure during simultaneous compression loading. A custom compression test fixture is designed and validated for use under thermomechanical loading. Testing is conducted on CFRP samples of varying thicknesses and quasi-isotropic layups. Test conditions are adjusted for a range of heat fluxes and compressive loads. Test parameters are isolated to observe individual impacts on time to failure. In each case, decreasing exponential trends are observed. High heat fluxes and high compressive loads result in shorter failure times. Temperature profiles are created based on heat flux exposure time and the position through the material thickness in order to determine failure criteria for thermomechanical loading. An empirical model is created to extrapolate and predict failure times using a stretched exponential function, based on mechanical preload, heat flux, and material thickness.

Meso-structure-based thermomechanical modelling of thermoplastic-based laminates subjected to combined mechanical loading and severe thermal gradients

“…Over the past twenty years, many models have been developed to account for the coupling of thermal and mechanical phenomena within composite materials [20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27], with a particular attention paid to fire modelling [28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44][45][46]. In the early eighties, Pering et al have developed an analytical model to account for the degradation of tensile and shear properties of a composite exposed to fire or high temperature [31].…”

“…More recently, Swanson et al considered an empirical model to extrapolate and predict failure times using a stretched exponential function, based on mechanical preload heat flux, and material thickness [41]. In Bhat et al, the collapse of basal fiber laminates upon compression loading combined to thermal irradiation has been studied [42].…”

Silver nanoparticle modified carbon fiber-reinforced polymer material for resistance against thermal damage induced by irradiation

“…Due to their excellent mechanical properties and their low overall density, fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs), especially carbon fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRPs), are used for many lightweight applications, including sports equipment, automotive, aerospace, and maritime construction. Disadvantages of FRPs are their low thermal stability [1][2][3][4] and high flammability, 5 especially for designs using FRPs in structural components with increased exposure to heat sources. To address these disadvantages, for example flame retardants can be added to the matrix polymer to enhance material performance under thermal stress/load.…”