Influence of Low and Extreme Heat Fluxes on Thermal Degradation of Carbon Fibre-reinforced Polymers

Abstract This study considers the influence of different irradiation scenarios on thermal degradation carbon fibre-reinforced polymers (CFRP). Real threats are simulated, such as fires with long-lasting low heat fluxes and nuclear flashes short-lasting high fluxes. For this purpose, coated uncoated quasi-isotropic samples commercially available CFRP HexPly ® 8552/IM7 thermally irradiated from one side by an electrical heater a cone calorimeter xenon short-arc lamp laboratory flash simulator between 5 175 W/cm 2 at varying time intervals. The specimens’ temperature is recorded front back well laminate depths. analyzed ultrasonic testing (UT), infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micro-focused computed X-Ray tomography (?CT). Destructive tests performed to determine mechanical properties in terms interlaminar shear, compressive tensile strength. When exposed higher flux, temperatures gradient values occur along cross-section. As result, extreme damage gradients appear material, leading changes behavior loss within seconds. However, ensure safety material case exposure, loading limits introduced, indicating threshold for strength collapse. In addition, application coatings, can be delayed. Finally, time-heat flux superposition principle established predict residual under scenarios.