Proof Testing of Composite Materials

Abstract

The paper presents a concept of proof testing for composite materials. A unique relationship between the static strength and time to rupture is demonstrated for a unidirectional glass/epoxy composite subjected to static fatigue. The maximum significance level at which a Weibull distribution is applicable to represent scatter is 35% for the static strength and 61% for the fatigue life. Limitations and variations of the strength degradation model for the life prediction are discussed.