Statistical Formulation for Time-temperature Dependent Flexural Strength of CFRP Laminates

Abstract

Statistical formulations of the master curves for the constant strain rate (CSR), creep and fatigue strengths of CFRP laminates, which depend on time and temperature as well as the number of cycles to failure, are proposed, based on Christensen's theory which describes statistically the crack kinetics in viscoelastic body. The master curves of these strengths of the plain-woven fabric T300/vinylester CFRP, the flat fabric T700/vinylester CFRP and the multi-axial knitted fabric T700/vinylester CFRP laminates were measured by the accelerated testing methodology in our previous paper. The quantitative characteristics of CSR, creep and fatigue master curves for these CFRP laminates are discussed using the results of our statistical formulations. Finally, it is demonstrated that our formulation of the master curves is available and practical for long-term durability design for CFRP laminate.