An experimental research into the creep behavior of glass fiber reinforced polyester

An experimental research into the creep behavior of glass fiber reinforced polyester: Research towards the long-term viscoelastic behavior of GFRP

Siccama, J.

Bijlaard, F.S.K. (mentor)

Civil Engineering and Geosciences

Structural Engineering

2016-06-17

This study presents the characterization of the creep response of unidirectional (UD) glass fiber reinforced polymers (GFRP) composite laminates. Tensile creep tests are performed using a custom test apparatus which includes the use of a climate chamber. Tests are performed on coupon sized specimens loaded in the fiber direction and perpendicular to the fiber direction. The material investigated consists of continuous E-glass fibers and a polyester matrix. Creep tests are performed for periods in the order of two days. Besides this, long-term tests spanning more than 1 month were performed on a single unidirectional laminate and two laminates consisting of alternating layers with fibers in and perpendicular to the load direction. To characterize the creep, a general power law is used and modified to accurately describe the creep response of the material. A long-term prediction is obtained by performing extrapolations and using the time-temperature-stress superposition principle (TTSSP). The obtained results are compared to the long-term test results and to the creep prediction formula in the CUR96+ Recommendation [1]. Results show that the relation found may predict the creep response for longer times with reasonable accuracy. Uncertainty is present in the results due to the limited number of creep tests performed.

http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:6ef2a7a1-dcd3-4335-8e0f-cf8ebf4b9759

Student theses

master thesis

(c) 2016 Siccama, J.