Time and Temperature Dependences of Flexural Strength in Cross-ply Laminated CFRP

Abstract

To investigate the time and temperature dependences of the flexural strength of cross-ply laminated CFRP, three-point bending tests were conducted at various temeperature and strain rates. The flexural strength of cross-ply laminated CFRP showed a remarkable dependence upon time and temperature. The master curve for this strength was constructed based on the thermo-rheologically simple properties. The time and temperature shift factors were quantitatively in good agreement both for the flexural strength of cross-ply laminated CFRP and the tensile strength of matrix epoxy resin. The fracture of cross-ply laminated CFRP under three-point bending was classfied into the two modes ; a) breaking on only the compression side at the loading point of specimen and b) microbuckling of fibers on compression side in the region of high temperature.