In design of the composite structures for fatigue, a sufficient knowledge on fatigue properties of composites with a circular hole is of utmost importance. In this experimental research, the static strength and the various axial-fatigue properties of circular hole notched specimens of a carbon eight-harness-satin/epoxy laminate were studied, because this material has excellent characteristics among carbon fabric composites. The static tensile and compressive strength, the static compressive strength of specimens with a pin-inserted hole, the S-N relationship for the three representative stress ratios, the S-N relationship of the specimens with a pininserted hole by compressive fatigue tests, the effect of the loading frequency on the fatigue life, and the temperature increase of a specimen versus the loading frequency were investigated. Moreover, the static and the fatigue fracture surfaces and the fatigue damage process were observed visually and by using an electron microscope.
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