Fracture Morphology of Graphite/ Epoxy Composites

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The delamination failure planes of graphite/epoxy composites that failed in three- point bending fatigue were examined microscopically to identify and relate fracture surface morphology to the composite microstructure and the applied loading condi tions. The failure surfaces were also examined for indications of crack initiation and propagation from manufacturing induced defects in the microstructure. The dominant failure surface features were found to be matrix cleavage, hackle formation, and wear regions. No indication of crack propagation from defects was observed. Instead, the role of intrinsic defects on fatigue lifetime seems to be one of damage enhancement around the defect.