A Model to Predict the Long-Term Strength of E-Glass Fiber Composites Subjected to Environmental Exposure

A Model to Predict the Long-Term Strength of E-Glass Fiber Composites Subjected to Environmental Exposure Thomas Miles Damiani Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastics (FRP) are being used in an increasing number of structures and machines because of their advantages over conventional materials such as steel or aluminum. However, sustained exposure to seemingly nominal service conditions can act to degrade the strength of an FRP composite, potentially negating the advantages of their use. This research sought to develop a theoretical model to predict the long-term strength of an FRP composite subjected to environmental exposure. Degradation models for the reinforcement fibers and the interphase region were developed and verified using existing data. The two constituent models were combined through the modification of Rosen’s model and compared with both unidirectional composite and laminate data. The composite model showed good agreement with the both the unidirectional composite and laminate data, thus verifying the model. Further investigation of this subject through more consistent and complete experimental data is needed for further verification.