The effects of temperature and deformation rate on fracture behavior of S-2 glass/epoxy laminated composites

Cracks can occur in the composite structures during production, assembly, or usage. Environment temperature, deformation rate, and crack geometry have a direct influence on the fracture behavior of laminated composites. In this study, the fracture behavior of S-2 glass/epoxy composites having different crack geometry at different temperatures and deformation rates was investigated experimentally and numerically. Within the scope of the study, the fracture toughness (K) and strain energy release rate (G) values of samples with 5 mm crack geometry were calculated for the crack tip opening conditions in Mode I and Mode I/II. Fracture tests at different environmental temperatures were performed to investigate the effects of temperature on fracture behavior. Fracture tests were achieved at three different deformation rates, to exhibit the relationship between crack initiation and deformation rate. Also, the fracture behavior of S-2 glass/epoxy laminated composites was analyzed by using the finite element method (FEM). S-2 glass fabric reinforced composite is used as a new alternative to traditional building materials, especially in the aviation, space and military industries. The results obtained from the experimental and FEM studies of this composite structure showed that different environmental and loading conditions were effective on the fracture behavior of the composite structure.