Mixed-mode I/III fatigue delamination growth in woven glass/epoxy composite laminates at cryogenic temperatures

Abstract

This work deals with the delamination growth behavior in woven glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) composite laminates under mixed-mode I/III fatigue loading at cryogenic temperatures. Fatigue delamination tests were carried out with eight-point bending plate (8PBP) specimens at room temperature, liquid nitrogen temperature (77 K), and liquid helium temperature (4 K), and the delamination growth rate data were expressed in terms of the energy release rate range during fatigue loading. The energy release rate was calculated using the three-dimensional finite element method. Moreover, the fracture surface characteristics of the woven GFRP laminates under mixed-mode I/III fatigue loading were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).