Characterization of Static- and Fatigue-Loaded Carbon Composites by X-Ray CT

Abstract

<p>Computed Tomography methodologies were investigated to better understanding their possibility to improve the knowledge and a correct understanding of the behavior of thin Carbon-Polymer composites when static or fatigue loaded to failure. We applied CT to study a set of six aerospace grade carbon fiber/thermoplastic or fiber/thermoset matrix composites. The samples were subjected to either static or high-stress fatigue loading in tension. Both notched (central circular hole) and unnotched specimens were examined. We investigateed a high-temperature thermoplastic polyimide composite sample by acquiring CT data sets before, during (at set intervals), and after full-reversal (tension-compression), low-stress fatigue loading at the upper use temperature.</p>