Reliable failure prediction methods are required for extending the range of applications of carbon-fiber-reinforced-polymers. In parallel, the development of non-destructive tests (NDT) for continuous health monitoring would result in structures of improved durability and safety. Carbon fibre-reinforced polymers (CFRP) have been investigated for the development of “smart” structures characteriz...

This paper describes fractographic features observed in aerospace composites failed under tensile loads. Unidirectional Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic (UD CFRP) and Unidirectional Glass Fibre Reinforced Plastic (UD GFRP) composite specimens were fabricated and tested in tension. The morphology of fractured surfaces was studied at various locations to identify failure mechanism and characterist...

The options for the fibre reinforcement of polymer matrix composites cover a range from short-fibre chopped strand mat, through woven fabric to unidirectional pre-impregnated (prepreg) reinforcements. The modelling of such materials may be simplified by assumptions such as perfect regular packing of fibres and the total absence of fibre waviness. However, these and other features such as the cr...

There has been significant increase in use of glass fibre reinforced composites as structural materials in naval mine countermeasure surface ships. Sea mines when detonated emit underwater shock waves, which could impart severe loading to naval ship structure; there are attempts to model the response of a ship structure to this loading. For the model to be accurate & useful material property da...

This paper presents results from Finite Element Modelling (FEM) of steel-concrete composite beams strengthened with prestressed Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) plate. For the purpose of this study, three beams were strengthened using prestressed CFRP plate with three different levels of induced prestressing force. The models were developed using ANSYS FE package. The results of an experi...

This paper investigates the robustness of permanently mounted transducers used in airborne structural health monitoring systems, when exposed to the operational environment. Typical airliners operate in a range of conditions, hence, structural health monitoring (SHM) transducer robustness and integrity must be demonstrated for these environments. A set of extreme temperature, altitude and vibra...

Abstract Carbon fibre/fabric (CF) is a privileged reinforcement for advanced polymer composites in tribological applications where performance is primary criteria rather than the cost due to the combination of distinct properties such as high specific strength, thermo-oxidative resistance, thermal and electrical conductivity along with self-lubricity etc. However problems associated with its ch...

To reduce the antagonistic effect of jute fibre on the setting and hydration of jute reinforced cement, modified jute fibre reinforcement would be a unique approach. The present investigation deals with the effectiveness of mild alkali treated (0.5%) jute fibre on the setting and hydration behaviour of cement. Setting time measurement, hydration test and analytical characterizations of the hard...

Fibre-reinforced composite materials are widespread in lightweight, high-performance applications. However, polymeric composites generally exhibit a brittle behaviour, which makes them susceptible to impact damage. Even low-velocity impacts can produce delaminations, cause substantial reduction of the compressive mechanical properties. Metallic layers have been embedded laminates with aim impro...