Document Type

Dissertation - University Access Only

Award Date

2012

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department / School

Mechanical Engineering

First Advisor

Zhong Hu

Abstract

Composite materials are promising building blocks of future lightweight yet stronger products. Like all the other materials that are used for manufacturing, stress evaluation of composites is an essential step prior to making any design based on using them. In this paper, both macromechanics and micromechanics of carbon fiber composites have been studied and verified using analytical methods. The macromechanics part of the experiments includes conventional tensile, compressive and shear testing of specimens as per relevant standards, whereas the micromechanics part involves indentation of fibers and matrix to estimate the bonding strength of the fiber/matrix, which is a very important parameter for the behavior of composite, and the elasticity of the composites through methods found in literature. Effects of heat on the tensile properties of carbon fiber reinforced polymer matrix composites in the macro level have also been investigated. It is proved that the material of this study is not significantly influenced by the given elevated temperature in terms of tensile properties. Results from macro- and micromechanical testing have been statistically analyzed and compared with data available in literature.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Carbon fibers 
Composite materials -- Mechanical properties

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Rights Statement

In Copyright