Hal F. Brinson

Polymer engineering science and viscoelasticity : an introduction

Introduction.- Stress and Strain Analysis and Measurement.- Characteristics, Applications and Properties of Polymers.- Polymerization and Classification.- Differential Constitutive Equations.- Hereditary Integral Representations of Stress and Strain.- Time and Temperature Behavior of Polymers.- Elementary Viscoelastic Stress Analysis for Bars and Beams.- Viscoelastic Stress Analysis in Two and Three Dimensions.- Nonlinear Viscoelasticity.- Rate and Time-Dependent Failure: Mechanics and Predictive Models.

Matrix dominated time dependent failure predictions in polymer matrix composites

Abstract Various types of matrix dominated failures in polymer matrix composites (PMC) are reviewed. Current methods to evaluate the modulus degradation of PMC materials are discussed including viscoelastic/plastic and continuum damage models. It is pointed out that in each case the approach is based upon developing an analytical constitutive relation for the material in order to represent a measured stress–strain response. The suggestion is made that care must be used in the measurement of stress–strain behavior such that the modeling represents the true material behavior. New digital imaging methods are suggested as a means to determine in situ properties at a local scale commensurate with the continuum modeling procedure. A little used method to model viscoelastic/plastic (linear and non-linear) effects is discussed and modified to obtain a simple and easy to use time dependent failure law. Also, a little used energy based time dependent failure criterion is presented which can be combined with a non-linear viscoelastic integral approach to provide a prediction method for the time for creep rupture under simple stress states. Each is validated with experimental data for simple stress states but their generality is such that they could be used for complex (3-D) stress states. Advantages and limitations of both are addressed. Finally, a discussion of possible fruitful research areas are presented with the view of providing engineers in industry with an easy to use accelerated life prediction procedure.

The Nonlinear Viscoelastic Response of Resin Matrix Composites

The current paper describes the utilization of a thermodynamic based analytical nonlinear viscoelastic approach to represent lamina properties. Test data to verify the analysis for both transverse and shear properties of a T300/934 composite are presented. Master curves as a function of stress level and temperature are generated. Favorable comparisons between the traditional graphical and the current analytical approaches are shown.

Time-temperature behavior of a unidirectional graphite/epoxy composite

A testing program to determine the time-temperature response of unidirectional T300/934 graphite/epoxy materials is presented. The short-term creep test results of tension specimens with the load at various angles to the fiber direction and at various temperatures are reported, showing that the material is elastic at all temperatures when the fiber is in the load direction. However, when the load is transverse to the fibers, the viscoelastic response varies from small amounts at room temperature to large amounts at temperatures above the 180 C transition temperature. The time-temperature superposition principle or the method of reduced variables were used to determine compliance master curves for each fiber angle, and a viscoelastic analog to the elastic orthotropic transformation equation was used incrementally to predict the master curves for the tensile compliance of the off-axis specimen.

Predicting Viscoelastic Response and Delayed Failures in General Laminated Composites

Although graphite fibers behave in an essentially elastic manner, the polymeric matrix of graphite/epoxy composites is a viscoelastic material which exhibits creep and delayed failures. The creep process is quite slow at room temperature, but may be accelerated by higher temperatures, moisture absorption, and other factors. Techniques are being studied to predict long-term behavior of general laminates based on short-term observations of the unidirectional material at elevated temperatures. A preliminary numerical procedure based on lamination theory is developed for predicting creep and delayed failures in laminated composites. A modification of the Findley nonlinear power law is used to model the constitutive behavior of a lamina. An adaptation of the Tsai-Hill failure criterion is used to predict the time-dependent strength of a lamina. Predicted creep and delayed failure results are compared with typical experimental data.

The fracture behavior of graphite/epoxy laminates

The results of uniaxial tensile tests conducted on a variety of graphite/epoxy laminates containing narrow rectangular slits and square or circular holes with various aspect ratios are discussed. The techniques used to study stable-crack or damage-zone growth—namely, birefringence coatings, COD gages, and microscopic observations are discussed. Initial and final-fracture modes are discussed as well as the effect of notch size and shape and laminate type on the fracture process. Characteristic lengths are calculated using the point, average and inherent flaw theories and comparisons with observations are discussed. Further, the effect of flaw geometry on stress states and deformations is assessed.

Matrix-fiber stress transfer in composite materials: Elasto-plastic model with an interphase layer

Abstract The matrix-fiber stress transfer in glass-epoxy composite materials was studied using analytical and experimental methods. The mathematical model that was developed calculates the stress fields in the fiber, interphase, and neighboring matrix near a fiber break. This scheme takes into account the elastic-plastic behavior of both the matrix and the interphase, and it includes the treatment of stress concentration near the discontinuities of the fibers. The radius of the fibers and the mechanical properties of the matrix were varied in order to validate the mathematical model. The computed values for the lengths of debonding, plastic deformation, and elastic deformation in the matrix near the fiber tip were confirmed by measurements taken under polarized light on loaded and unloaded single fiber samples.

The strain-rate behavior of ductile polymers

The stress-strain-strain-rate behavior of polycarbonate is presented. It is demonstrated that the material does not exhibit a double-yield-point phenomenon, as others have reported, if true stress is plotted against actual strain. Also, the behavior of polycarbonate is presented under constant strain rate and relaxation conditions. The observed behavior of the material is discussed in relation to elements of recent theories of viscoelasto-plasticity due to Nagdi and Murch and Crochet. Simple mechanical models of the Bingham type are presented and are discussed with respect to the constitutive equation characterization of polycarbonte. The advantages and disadvantages of more general models are mentioned. Finally, the strain-rate behavior of PMMA (Polymethylmethacrylate) and a poylester given by others is presented and discussed, relative to polycarbonate and the characterization procedures used.

Creep-rupture of polymer-matrix composites

An accelerated characterization method for resin-matrix composites is reviewed. Methods for determining modulus and strength master curves are given. Creep-rupture analytical models are discussed as applied to polymers and polymer-matrix composites. Comparisons between creep-rupture experiments and analytical models are presented.

Measurement of Adhesive Bond Properties Including Damage by Dynamic Mechanical Thermal Analysis of a Beam Specimen

Abstract A method to obtain mechanical properties using a bonded (double) cantilever beam (or three point bend) specimen loaded in a manner to produce pure shear in the adhesive layer is reviewed. A revised mathematical solution which allows for easier interpretation of optimum beam dimensions to the one originally developed by Moussiaux, Cardon and Brinson for the static case is presented. An extension of this solution for a fixed/fixed viscoelastic beam under steady state oscillations developed by Li, Dickie and Morman is also discussed. Previous results using a vibrating beam to determine the complex viscoelastic properties of a bonded beam are reviewed. These results demonstrate conclusively that dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) measurements discriminate differences in surface treatments and various environmental conditions. New measurements are presented that indicate the DMTA procedure can be used to quantify damage simulated by imbedded flaws in beams. The procedure is also shown to asses...