Fatigue modeling of marine composites

Eric C. Strauch, Kevin L. Koudela

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Fatigue of aerospace-grade composite materials has been a research topic for many years. The vast majority of these studied material systems include various laminate configurations constructed from unidirectional carbon-epoxy, autoclave-cured prepregs. To date, however, no protocols demonstrating N-year service life for these materials have been standardized. Marine composites have generally migrated towards E-glass fibers and polyester, vinyl ester, or epoxy resins processed via wet layup and liquid infusion techniques and out-of-autoclave cure schedules. Although fatigue research of marine composite materials has been increasing, the relative number of databases is small compared to those generated with aerospace-grade composites. Also, the lack of a legacy standard life-prediction protocol for guidance has resulted in composite marine structures employing large safety factors and load-path redundancy in their design. This paper attempts to add to the current research by offering an approach to structural life prediction through fatigue modeling based upon coupon-level characterization, and demonstrated with subelement testing and non-destructive monitoring.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationSAMPE Fall Technical Conference and Exhibition - Multifunctional Materials
Subtitle of host publicationWorking Smarter Together, SAMPE '08
StatePublished - 2008
Event2008 SAMPE Fall Technical Conference and Exhibition - Multifunctional Materials: Working Smarter Together, SAMPE '08 - Memphis, TN, United States
Duration: Sep 8 2008Sep 11 2008

Publication series

NameInternational SAMPE Technical Conference

Other

Other2008 SAMPE Fall Technical Conference and Exhibition - Multifunctional Materials: Working Smarter Together, SAMPE '08
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityMemphis, TN
Period9/8/089/11/08

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Materials Science
  • Mechanics of Materials
  • Mechanical Engineering

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Fatigue modeling of marine composites'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this