Influence of a manufacturing defect on the mechanical behavior of glass-epoxy composites

This study deals with the mechanical behavior of an unidirectional glass-epoxy composite material which is produced by the autoclave moulding of prepegs. The material, used for the fabrication of rotor blades, has a defect that simulates a local lack of polymerization. Fatigue tests are performed and propagation rate curves are established using linear fracture mechanics. Micrographic observations with the electron microscope show the importance of the modes of fracture. Numerical calculations by the finite-element method are performed to describe the experimental results, being found to corroborate with the experimental observations. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.