Ratcheting Assessment of GFRP Composites in Low-Cycle Fatigue Domain

The present study intends to examine ratcheting response of Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) composites over fatigue cycles by means of parametric variables. Stages of ratcheting deformation were related to stress cycles, lifespan, mechanical properties and cyclic stress levels by means of linear and non-linear functions. The coefficients B and C in the proposed ratcheting formulation calibrated ratcheting equation by means of material properties over ratcheting stages. Coefficients A and C calibrated the stages I and II of ratcheting strain curve over stress cycles. The ratcheting curve over initial and final stages was affected as composite modulus of elasticity (Ec) increased. An increase in Ec-dependent coefficients A and B increased the magnitude of ratcheting strains over stress cycles. Ratcheting data for continuous and short fiber GFRP composites with various volume fractions were employed to evaluate the proposed ratcheting formulation. Interaction of ratcheting and fatigue phenomena was further assumed when the proposed parametric ratcheting equation was coupled with a fatigue damage model developed earlier by present authors. Overall damage is achieved from accumulation of ratcheting and fatigue over stress cycles.