EFFECT OF MATRIX RESIN ON THE RESPONSE IN A CENTRALLY NOTCHED COMPOSITE LAMINATE

To evaluate the effect of different matrix resins on the tension-tensi on (T-T) fatigue response of a notched composite laminate, two kinds o f graphite/epoxy composite laminates (T300/5208 and T300/976) have bee n investigated. Our main work has concentrated on experiments, and the tests were executed in quasi-isotropic laminate [0/90/ +/- 45]2s. X-r ay radiography was used to detect delamination damage. The results wer e compared with each other to determine the effect of matrix resin on fatigue loading. The results of our study indicate that enhancement of matrix strength and bonding capability with fibers will increase the critical loads for delamination onset and delamination resistance in c omposite laminates under static loading. The static strength of a notc hed specimen is not affected much by the matrix resin, though its life is lengthened greatly and the delamination growth rate is reduced sig nificantly under fatigue loading.