Using a statistical model for the analysis of the influence of the type of matrix carbon-epoxy composites on the fatigue delamination under modes I and II of fracture

This paper analyzes delamination processes under modes I and II fracture and fatigue loading for two types of composite materials. The studied materials were manufactured with the same unidirectional carbon reinforcement though with two types of epoxy matrix. Experimental data were treated with a probabilistic model based on a Weibull distribution allowing the identification of relevant aspects of the fatigue behavior of the materials, such as the estimation of the fatigue strength for periods greater than the tested values and the analysis of the reliability of the results. This study suggests a variable behavior depending on the type of fracture loading: modes I and II, and the type of matrix used. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.