CRYOGENIC MECHANICAL RESPONSE OF CARBON-FIBER REINFORCED-PLASTICS WITH THERMOPLASTIC MATRICES TO QUASI-STATIC LOADS

In this study, two carbon fibre reinforced thermoplastics (CFRTPs) were examined with regard to the high cryogenic strain capability of the thermoplastic matrices. The composites selected have significantly different interface strength. First, unidirectional lay ups were tested under three principal loads, i.e. tensile loads applied parallel and perpendicular to the fibres and shear loads applied along the fibres. Second, both composites were tested in cross-ply lay up. The fracture process was analysed microscopically and compared with an estimation of the stress distribution in the composites.