No description available.

This thesis employs a finite element (FE) method for numerically simulating the mechanical response of constituents in a fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite to indentation. Indentation refers to a procedure that subsumes a rigid indenter of specific geometry to impress the surface of a relatively softer material, with a view of estimating its mechanical properties. FE analyses are performed on a two-dimensional simplified microstructure of the FRP composite comprising perfectly bonded fiber, interphase and matrix sections. Indentation response of the constituents is first examined within the context of linearized elasticity. Time-dependent response of the polymer matrix is invoked by modeling the respective constituent section as a linear isotropic viscoelastic material. Furthermore, indentation responses to non-mechanical stimulus, like moisture absorption, is also simulated through a sequentially coupled analysis. A linear relationship describing the degradation of elastic moduli of the individual constituents with increasing moisture content has been assumed. The simulations subsume a point load idealization for the indentation load eventually substituted by indenter tips with conical and spherical profiles. Results from FE analyses in the form of load-displacement curves, displacement contours and stress contours are presented and discussed. With the application of concentrated load on linearly elastic constituents for a given/known degree of heterogenity in the FRP, simulations indicated the potential of indentation technique for determining interphase properties in addition to estimating the matrix-fiber interphase bond strength. Even with stiffer surrounding constituents, matrix characterization was rendered difficult. However, fiber properties were found to be determinable using the FE load-displacement data, when the load-displacement data from experimentation is made available. In the presence of a polymer (viscoelastic) matrix, the surrounding elastic constituents could be characterized for faster loading rates when viscoelastic effects are insignificant. Displacements were found to be greater in the presence of a polymer matrix and moisture content in comparison with a linearly elastic matrix and dry state. As one would expect, the use of different indenter tips resulted in varying responses. Conical tips resulted in greater displacements while concentrated load produced greater stresses. Further it was found that, despite the insignificant effects due to surrounding constituents, analytical (Flamant) solution for concentrated, normal force on a homogeneous, elastic half-plane becomes inapplicable in back calculating the elastic moduli of individual FRP constituents. This can be attributed to the finite domain and the associated boundary conditions in the problem of interest.

This study presents a combined viscoelastic (VE)-viscoplastic (VP) analysis for Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) composites subject to simultaneous mechanical load and conduction of heat. The studied FRP composites consist of unidirectional fibers, which are considered as linearly elastic with regards to their mechanical response, and isotropic polymeric matrix, which shows viscoelastic-viscoplastic response under various stresses and temperatures. Due to the viscoelastic and viscoplastic behavior of the polymeric matrix, the overall FRP composites exhibit a combined time-dependent and inelastic behavior. A simplified micromechanical model, consisting of a unit-cell with four fiber and matrix subcells, is formulated to homogenize the overall heat conduction and viscoelastic-viscoplastic responses of the FRP composites. The micromechanical model is compatible with a displacement based finite element (FE) and is implemented at the Gaussian integration points within the continuum finite elements, which is useful for analyzing the overall time-dependent response of FRP composite structures under various boundary conditions. The Schapery nonlinear integral model combined with the Perzyna viscoplastic model is used to describe the viscoelastic-viscoplastic response of the polymer constituents. An integrated time integration algorithm is formulated at the micromechanics level in order to solve the nonlinear viscoelastic-viscoplastic constitutive model at the matrix subcells and obtain the overall nonlinear response of the FRP. The viscoelastic-viscoplastic micromechanical model is validated usingexperimental data on off-axis glass/epoxy FRP composites available in literature. The overall response of the FRP composites determined from the simplified micromechanical model is also compared with the ones generated from microstructures of FRP with various fiber arrangements dispersed in homogeneous polymer matrix. The microstructural models of the FRP with detailed fiber arrangements are generated using FE. The effects of thermal stresses, due to the mismatches in the coefficient of thermal expansions of the fibers and polymeric matrix, and stress concentrations/discontinuities near the fiber and matrix interfaces on the overall thermo-mechanical deformation of FRP composites are studied using the two micromechanical models discussed above. Finally, an example of structural analysis is performed on a polymeric smart sandwich composite beam, having FRP skins and polymeric foam core with piezoelectric sensors integrated to the FRP skins, undergoing three point bending at an elevated temperature. The creep displacement is compared to experimental data available in literature.

Fiber sizings are used to improve the performance of fiber-reinforced polymer composites made from low-cost fiber and matrix materials. Evaluation of three sizings, poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP), a carboxyl modified polyhydroxyether (PHE), and a standard industrial sizing (G'), have revealed tremendous improvements in static mechanical and enviro-mechanical properties. The focus of this work is to determine if these improvements in performance can be ascertained from a micromechanical test for interfacial shear strength (IFSS) on as-processed materials. The accomplishment of this goal would create more information with fewer experiments and a need for less experimental materials. In this study, a nanoindenter uniquely outfitted with a blunt tip is effectively used to obtain microindentation results where the debond load is extracted directly from the experimental load-deflection curve. Shear lag and finite element analyses are used to evaluate the mechanics of the system, but both methods show limitations with regard to determining interfacial stresses in an experimental system. In the results obtained, the PHE and Gâ materials outperform the PVP in IFSS, but the bulk properties for PVP and PHE outperform the Gâ material, suggesting the presence of another dominant mechanism. Despite better retention of bulk properties after hygrothermal exposure, PHE experiences degradation in IFSS that PVP does not. The PHE loses 10% of its original IFSS after 576 hours of 65ºC moisture exposure, while PVP improves by 25%. The tensile strengths for PHE and PVP decrease 7% and 10% respectively at 576 hours exposure. Finite element modeling shows that matrix swelling due to moisture absorption increases interfacial shear stresses, a finding supported by a comparison of wet and dry specimens subjected to equivalent aging times. Matrix swelling is not, however, responsible for the increase in IFSS of the PVP material. The relationship between tensile strength and IFSS proves to be small as predicted by a tensile strength model, but processing defects and other failure processes that are not included in the tensile strength model appear to have strong influences over the experimental results. IFSS is important in composite materials, but in the case of the G', PHE and PVP materials, other factors dominate fiber direction tensile performance. Therefore, this one simple micromechanical test provides significant insight into the composite material behavior, but it does not provide the same magnitude of information as from bulk composite experiments. / Master of Science

When taking steps away from tried and true designs, there is always a degree of uncertainty that arises. With the introduction of fiber-reinforced polymers (FRP) in double-web I-beams (DWIB) to replace steel beams in bridge applications, there are many benefits along with the disadvantages. A bridge has been built with this new type of beam after only short-term proof testing for validation. Nondestructive evaluation (NDE) is a way to implement health monitoring of the bridge beams and needs to be assessed. The principal underlying infrared thermal imaging (IR) nondestructive evaluation (NDE) is to induce a thermal gradient in the beam through heating and monitor how it changes. Delaminations determined by others to be the critical form of deterioration, would be expected to affect the heat conduction in these beams. This project used a halogen lamp to heat the surface of the beam followed by an observation with an IR camera. Calculations of an ANSYS finite element analysis (FEA) model were compared with a series of laboratory tests. The experimental results allowed for validation of the model and development of an IR inspection procedure. This work suggests that for high quality beams of the type considered that an IR procedure could be developed to detect delaminations as small as one inch in length; however, the size would be underestimated. / Master of Science

Statistics released in the fall 1989 showed that 238,357 (41%) of the nation's 577,710 bridges are either structurally deficient or functionally obsolete. New materials, such as fiber reinforced polymeric composites (FRP), are being suggested for use in bridge systems to solve some of the current problems. These materials are thought to be less affected by corrosive environmental conditions than conventional civil engineering materials. Therefore they may require less maintenance and provide longer life spans. More specifically, glass fiber reinforced vinyl ester matrix composites are considered possible replacements for deteriorating conventional bridge decks due to their durability, decreased weight, and relative affordability. In order to facilitate rapid acceptance of FRP structural components into the world of civil structural engineering, effective and efficient NDE techniques must be explored and documented in these situations. This thesis will discuss the use of Infrared Thermography (IRT) as a means of detecting debonds and voids caused by conditions encountered both in fabrication and in the field. As forced convective hot air is applied within the bridge deck, debonds between bridge deck components near the riding surface appear cold while imperfections near the bottom of the deck give rise to concentrations of heat. These variations in thermal propagation patterns are observed by the infrared camera and indicate possible structural deficiencies. Results of experimentation and thermal analyses from laboratory studies of a model bridge deck and some from in situ full-scale investigations are presented. / Master of Science

The quality of continuous fiber reinforced polymer matrix composite parts and structures depends strongly on the friction during the composite forming process. The two major types of friction that cause deformations during this process are ply-ply friction and tool-ply friction. One of the challenges in the composite forming process is the occurrence of wrinkling and shape distortion of the fabric caused by the surface differences between the forming tool and surface of the laminate. Frictional measurements of composites can vary widely depending on processing parameters, measurement technique, and instruments used. In this study, a commercial rheometer was used to evaluate tool-ply friction of unidirectional carbon fiber epoxy prepreg at various contact pressures, temperatures and sliding velocities. Viscoelastic properties such as the complex viscosity (η*), storage modulus (G'), loss modulus (G"), and loss factor (tan δ) were used to determine the critical transition events (such as gelation) during cure. An understanding of changes in viscoelastic properties as a function of time, temperature, and cure provides insight for establishing a suitable processing range for compression forming of prepreg systems. Surface imaging results were coupled with rheological results to qualitatively examine the effects of processing parameters on prepreg distortions. Changes in gap height over the measurement interval qualitatively describe the changes in contact area and contact mechanisms between the tool-ply surfaces. The results indicate that friction behavior of the prepreg system is a contribution of adhesive and frictional forces, where increase in viscosity, reduction in gap height, and cure of the sample correlate to higher friction values. / Master of Science / The quality of composite parts and structures depends strongly on the friction present during the composite forming process. One of the major challenges in the forming process is the occurrence of wrinkling and shape distortions of the fabric caused by the surface differences between the forming tool and material. The presence of these defects can compromise the final material property and lead to failure when in use. Frictional measurements of composites can vary widely depending on processing parameters, measurement technique, and instruments used. The extent of interaction between the tool and surface of the material depends on the tooling height, and by extension, contact area, which cannot easily be monitored with traditional test designs. A commercial rheometer was used in this study to evaluate tool-ply friction of unidirectional carbon fiber epoxy prepreg at various contact pressures, temperatures, and sliding velocities. Gap height and torque were monitored to provide information on the frictional dependence of processing parameters. In addition, surface-imaging results were coupled with rheological results to examine the relationship between friction and fiber distortions. The understanding of changes in material property with respect to the tooling process is the key to optimizing the composite forming process.

The use of fiber-reinforced polymer composites formed via injection molding is of increasing interest due to their superior mechanical properties as compared to those of the polymer matrix alone. These mechanical properties, however, are strongly dependent on the fiber length and orientation distributions within a molded part. As such, there is a need to understand and model the orientation evolution of chopped fibers in flow in order to accurately simulate the final fiber orientation distribution within injection molded parts. As a result of this, accurate and reliable experimental measurement of fiber orientation is needed. Within this research, the application and validity of the Method of Ellipses for determining the orientation of long, semi-flexible glass fibers within injection molded composites has been investigated. A fiber suspension with an average length of approximately 3.9 mm was the focus of this study and assumed to be representative of commercial distributions. A novel method to quantify fiber curvature was developed and utilized to show that flexibility in center-gated disc and the end-gated plaque samples was minimal on average for the selected fiber length distribution. Thus, it was determined that the Method of Ellipses was applicable when utilized to obtain reliable orientation data for the selected long glass fiber suspension and within the chosen geometries that exhibit 1-, 2-, and 3-dimensional velocity fields. However, a modified image analysis width was found to be necessary in regions of highly aligned fibers, due to the increase in ellipse size and the need to reduce the number of partial objects and thus minimize error. This allowed for a direct comparison of the experimental orientation behavior of short and long glass fibers within the center-gated disc and the end-gated plaque, as well as the effect of the orientation distributions on the global modulus of the part. / Ph. D.

No description available.

Le but de ce travail est la caractérisation du comportement au délaminage des composites stratifiés en mode mixte I+II+III, en se focalisant en particulier sur le verrou scientifique que représente le mode III pur. Cette thèse repose sur un travail à la fois expérimental et numérique, validant numériquement les tests existants et ceux développés. La mise en perspective des résultats obtenus a permis, d'un coté, de mieux appréhender l'importance de la distribution des taux de restitution d'énergie, GI, GII et GIII, le long du front de fissure sur le la détermination de la ténacité du composite et d'un autre coté, de proposer et d'améliorer les méthodes de caractérisation. Avant d'évoquer le délaminage en mode mixte, nos efforts se sont d'abord concentrés sur la caractérisation du délaminage en mode III pur. Deux essais de type " Edge Crack Torsion " (ECT) disponibles dans la littérature ont été réalisés. La distribution de GIII le long du front de fissure a été déterminée par la méthode des éléments finis (MEF) en utilisant la technique de fermeture virtuelle de fissure (VCCT). La capacité de ces tests est compromise par : 1. La participation du mode II non nul ; 2. La forte variation de GIII près des bords de l'éprouvette. Ces problèmes rendent la détermination de la ténacité en mode III pur, GIIIC, difficile et imprécise. Par la suite, un nouveau test a été proposé, nommé "Edge Ring Crack Torsion" test (ERCT ou ERT-III). Il s'appuie sur une éprouvette possédant une fissure de front circulaire, l'absence d'extrémités sur le front de fissure permet de supprimer les effets de bords. Après l'optimisation et la modification de la géométrie du dispositif dans le test ERCT original, GIII le long du front de fissure reste presque constant avec très peu de modes parasites. La formule proposée par Tada est appliquée pour déterminer GIIIC. Il est démontré qu'en général, si la variation de GIII est faible le long du front de fissure, la ténacité déterminée par une solution " closed-form " concorde bien avec celle obtenue numériquement. En fait, la répartition de GIII peut être influencée par divers facteurs, tels que la nature des stratifiés, la géométrie du dispositif expérimental et la géométrie des éprouvettes. L'interaction de ces facteurs a été aussi abordée dans cette étude. En outre, une étude numérique de sensibilité aux défauts a permis de vérifier la robustesse de l'essai proposé vis-à-vis de différents défauts qui sont inhérent à tout travail expérimental. Enfin, une géométrie d'éprouvette optimisée est donnée avec une méthodologie permettant de réduire les fluctuations de GIII. L'utilisation de l'éprouvette ERC a été généralisée à la caractérisation du délaminage pour deux autres modes purs : l'essai de traction permet de solliciter ERC en mode I pur et celui de flexion sollicite ERC en mode II pur, nommé ERCTE ou ERC-I et ERCF ou ERC-II, respectivement. Les avantages du test ERCT sont bien conservés. La réalisation des essais ERC-I, ERC-II et ERC-III permet de mesurer la ténacité de chacun des trois modes purs sur des éprouvettes ayant la même géométrie. Finalement, nous avons étudié numériquement la faisabilité de réaliser les essais de délaminage en mode mixte I + II, I + III et I + II + III sur les éprouvettes ERC. Il s'avère que le rapport modal en mode mixte peut être obtenu dans une large gamme en faisant varier la géométrie de l'éprouvette et en combinant les modes de chargement. Aucun mode indésirable n'est présent lors des essais en mode mixte I+II ou en mode mixte I+III. Cependant la distribution de GI, GII et GIII ne sont pas complètement uniforme, mais sa variation reste assez petite. En conclusion, les tests ERC proposés dans cette étude sont prometteurs pour la caractérisation du comportement au délaminage en mode mixte des composites. Il serait possible, dans un avenir proche, de proposer un critère de délaminage en mode mixte I+II+III basé sur une étude utilisant des essais sur éprouvettes ERC. / The aim of this research work is to characterize the delamination behavior of laminate composite materials under the three pure modes and mixed modes, focusing especially on the complex issue of mode III. Both experimental and numerical works were performed, validating the existing and new testing methods. Correlation between the results obtained aims, on the one hand to better understand the distribution of strain energy release rates (GI, GII, GIII) along the crack front; on the other hand, to propose and improve testing methods, and to propose and validate simple approaches for determination of delamination toughness. Pure mode III testing methods are studied. Firstly, two kinds of Edge Crack Torsion tests were carried out, the distribution of GIII along the crack front were determined by finite element analysis (FEA) using virtual crack closure technique (VCCT). The performances of these tests are compromised by the drawbacks: (1) A participation of mode II component cannot be completely eliminated; (2) The distribution of GIII along the crack front is not uniform especially near the sides. After a study of existing tests, a novel mode III testing method was proposed, named Edge Ring Crack Torsion test (ERCT or ERC-III later). In the ERC specimen, the total absence of sides in the circular crack front leads to no edge effects. As a result, pure mode III delamination is achieved and the distribution of GIII along the crack front is quite uniform. In fact, the values of GIII along the crack front are nearly constant after optimizing and modifying the geometry of device in the original ERCT test. A closed-form solution proposed by Tada is applied to determine mode III delamination toughness. In ERCT test, the results calculated by Tada formula agree well with the ones calculated by VCCT when the distribution of GIII is relatively uniform. Actually, a numerical study shows that the distribution of GIII can be affected by different factors related to the nature of laminates tested, the geometry of test device and the geometry of the specimens. The interactive effect of above factors was also discussed in this study. In order to understand the influence of potential defaults on the performance of ERCT test, sensitivity study has been performed on the relative position of the crack front, the circularity of the crack front and the specimen shape. Optimum specimen's relative pre-crack geometry is given and a method for reducing the variation is provided. Then the application of ERC specimen was generalized to other pure delamination modes characterization. Pure mode I can be realized if ERC specimens are loaded in tension, named ERCTE or ERC-I, so can pure mode II if ERC specimens are loaded in flexion, named ERCF or ERC-II. The distribution of the strain energy release rates was also evaluated by FEA using VCCT. These tests keep most advantages of ERC-III test. Pure mode I and pure mode II delamination are achieved respectively and the distribution of GI or GII along the crack front is quite uniform. The realization of ERC-I, ERC-II and ERC-III allows to measure the toughness of each of three pure modes without any interference from geometry of specimens. Finally, we have studied numerically the feasibility to realize the delamination tests in mixed mode I+II, I+III and I+II+III by using ERC specimen. Firstly, the mixed mode ratio can be obtained in a large range by varying the geometry of the specimen and by combining loading modes. Secondly, no unwanted mode is presented for mixed mode I+II and mixed mode I+III; Thirdly, the distribution of strain energy release rates are not completely uniform but its variation is small enough to be accepted. In conclusion, ERC tests are promising testing methods for characterization of mixed mode delamination behavior. It will be possible to propose a mixed mode I+II+III delamination criterion based on the investigation by ERC tests in a close future.