Published Resources Details
Journal Article
- Title
- Is there really no need to be able to predictmatrix failures in fi bre-polymer composite structures?Part 2: Examples of matrix failures preceding fi bre failures
- In
- Australian Journal of Mechanical Engineering
- Imprint
- vol. 12, no. 2, June 2014, pp. 160-178
- Url
- http://dx.doi.org/10.7158/M12-AGM02.2014.12.2.
- Abstract
This paper describes typical situations in composite structures where non-catastrophic matrix failures precede fibre failures, but which all of the most popular composite failure theories, based on artificially homogenised laminae, are inherently incapable of predicting. This emphasises the very real need for improved theories advocated in the companion paper on the theory and related physics. Examples are selected from both secondary and primary structures One chronic problem, arising in many guises, is the excessive clustering of too many parallel fibres for the polymer resin in which they are embedded to transfer loads in and out of them. Another common problem is abrupt interruptions of load paths, with only the matrix to diffuse the end loads. The interruptions can be the result of both poor design practice and impact damage. Some matrix cracks shown cannot be associated with pre-existing starter cracks, thereby devaluing theories requiring their pre-existence in order to apply the theories. Worse, the absence of theories with which to characterise the adverse consequences of an inadequate resin content have led to conscious efforts to minimise resin content, to maximise fibre-dominated longitudinal lamina strengths, with no awareness of the consequential reduction in load carrying capability when the matrix is dominant.