Investigation of the Effects of Environmental Fatigue on the Mechanical Properties of GFRP Composite Constituents Using Nanoindentation

Abstract Background Fatigue failure criteria for fibre reinforced polymer composites used in the design of marine structures are based on micromechanical behaviour (e.g. stiffness properties) their constituents. In literature, there is a lack information regarding degradation fibres, matrix and fibre/matrix interface regions affected by environmental fatigue. Objective The aim present study to characterize properties composite constituents using nanoindentation technique when fatigue due combined effect sea water exposure cyclic mechanical loads. Methods study, was where effects neighbouring phases, material pile up viscoplasticity corrected finite element simulation. Results use simulation conjunction with test data, results more accurate estimation projected indented area which required measuring addition, provides greater understanding stress transfer between during process. Conclusions testing microstructure environmentally failed coupons establish strong link fiber/matrix regions, verifying identified scanning electron microscopy (SEM) energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analysis.