Strain Rate and Temperature Effects on the Dynamic Tensile Behaviors of Basalt Fiber Bundles and Reinforced Polymer Composite

Basalt fiber bundle (yarn) and basalt fiber-reinforced polymer (BFRP) samples are tested under four different strain rates (40, 80, 120, and 160 s(-1)) and four distinct temperatures (25, 50, 75, and 100 degrees C) using a drop-weight impact system in this study. Experimental results show that the mechanical properties of the samples tested in this study are sensitive to strain rate and temperature. For the basalt yarn specimens, Young's modulus increases with increasing strain rate but decreases with increasing temperature; tensile strength increases with increasing strain rate, but decreases first and then increases again when the temperature increases; the maximum strain and toughness generally increase with increasing temperature. For the BFRP specimens, Young's modulus shows a relatively modest increase compared with the yarn with increasing strain rate but decreases with elevated temperature; the tensile strength firstly increases and then decreases with increasing strain rate, and decreases with elevated temperature. Toughness increases with increasing strain rate but decreases with elevated temperature. Finally, Weibull statistics were employed to quantify the variability of strength at different strain rates and temperatures and to obtain Weibull parameters for future numerical analysis and engineering applications. (C) 2016 American Society of Civil Engineers.