Discussion of a Coupled Strength Attenuation Model for GFRP Composites in Hydrothermal Environments

Abstract

The existing attenuation models for the durability of FRP (fiber-reinforced polymer) composites in hydrothermal environments were compared, and a new coupled strength attenuation model with a temperature parameter was proposed in this paper. A series of durability experiments on GFRP sheets in hydrothermal environments were conducted to validate the accuracy and rationality of the new model. A comparison between experimental data and the calculation results of the coupled model indicated that the new model can fit better with the experimental data and effectively reflect the convergence phenomenon in the strength attenuation of GFRP in hydrothermal environments. With a temperature parameter included, the new model can better predict the service life of GFRP composites at different aging temperatures. According to the coupled attenuation model proposed in this paper, a concept and calculation method of the slow-aging time point are put forward, which can be convenient for the evaluation and design of GFRP structures with long-term durability.