SYMPOSIA PAPER
Published:
01 January 1983
STP28544S
Effect of Microstructure on the Mechanical Behavior of Sheet Molding Compound Composites
SourceMechanisms for damage initiation and growth in sheet molding compound composites were studied with several nondestructive testing techniques. Damage was found to initiate by matrix cracking at relatively low stress levels. Fiber bundles were found to be effective in impeding the progress of these matrix cracks. At higher stress levels, however, the fiber bundles can no longer resist matrix crack propagation and specimen fracture occurs principally by fiber-matrix debonding. Specimen inhomogeneity was found to play an important role in these materials, with large variability in local fiber content being observed. Resin-rich regions of the specimens were identified as being likely failure sites.
Author Information
Kline, RA
Engineering Mechanics Department, General Motors Research Laboratories, Warren, Mich
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Details
Developed by Committee: D30
Pages: 133–156
DOI: 10.1520/STP28544S
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-4863-5
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-0234-7