Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites are widely used in safety-critical aerospace structures and experience low velocity impacts, which deteriorate their residual strength and residual life. This paper presents the results of damage accumulation during fatigue loading, estimated through stiffness degradation under constant amplitude and the programmed version of FALSTAFF spectrum loading (Prog FALSTAFF) of [0/90]8 and quasi isotropic CFRP laminates. The laminates are prepared by a hand lay up technique; specimens of size 250 mm by 45 mm by 4.5 mm thickness are extracted from the laminate for testing. Some of the specimens are subjected to drop impact at different input impact energies (23J, 35J, and 51J), and the fatigue response after impact loading is studied. The rate of degradation of stiffness for impacted CFRP specimens under a Prog FALSTAFF spectrum loading is less compared to constant amplitude loading. The sequence of intermediate block cycles of constant ampltiude in Prog FALSTAFF is organized either in an ascending order of magnitude, low to high (Lo Hi), or in a descending order of magnitude (Hi Lo) to study the effect of load sequencing on damage accumulation. Lo Hi sequencing results in greater damage compared to Hi Lo sequencing for all the orientations of CFRP laminates studied. In the case of unimpacted specimens, there is a marginal increase in stiffness in the early stages, followed by a drop in stiffness; the stiffness degradation rate in unimpacted specimens is much less compared to impacted specimens. Computed X ray tomography has been carried out on specimens under the following conditions: pristine; after fatigue cycling; after impact damage; and postimpact, postfatigue cycling to understand the damage progression. As an exploratory study, investigation of damage through active infrared thermography is carried out. The presence of delamination could be identified through the variable specimen cooling curves of CFRP specimens using the active thermography technique.
Author Information
Prakash, Raghu, V.
Indian Institute of Technology, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, Chennai, IN
John, Mathew
Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, Chennai, IN
Sudevan, Deepika
Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, Chennai, IN
Gianneo, Andrea
Politecnico di Milano, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, Milano, IT
Carboni, Michele
Politecnico di Milano, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, Milano, IT
Domestic orders are delivered via United Parcel Service (UPS) or United States Postal Service (USPS). Transit
times average 3 to 5 business days. Please be aware that UPS will not deliver packages to Post Office Boxes.
International orders are delivered via courier post services which can be either a postal service, courier
service, or a combination of both. Standard Service is untraceable. Please allow 4-7 weeks for delivery.
Please be aware that carriers will not deliver packages to Post Office Boxes. Because of the variability of
customs processes and procedures in different countries, ASTM International cannot guarantee transit times to
international destinations. Customs duty and taxes are the responsibility of the consignee.
Shipping & Handling charges follow the rate schedule, below:
Order Total
Shipping & Handling Fee (US Domestic)
Up to $50.00
$18.72
$50.01 to $100.00
$20.80
$100.01 to $150.00
$29.52
$150.01 to $250.00
$39.09
$250.01 to $500.00
$56.25
$500.01 to $750.00
$76.42
$750.01 to $1000.00
$93.15
$1000.01 to $1500.00
$121.27
$1500.01 to $2500.00
$158.38
$2500.01 to $4999.00
$209.04
$5000.00 to higher
FREE
Order Total
Shipping & Handling Fee (International)
Up to $50.00
$68.72
$50.01 to $100.00
$70.80
$100.01 to $150.00
$79.52
$150.01 to $250.00
$89.09
$250.01 to $500.00
$106.25
$500.01 to $750.00
$126.42
$750.01 to $1000.00
$143.15
$1000.01 to $1500.00
$171.27
$1500.01 to $2500.00
$208.38
$2500.01 to $4999.00
$259.04
$5000.00 to higher
FREE
Shipping and Handling charges are approximate. Additional charges may be incurred if your order requires multiple shipments. This does not apply to complete sets and sections.