A Physics-Based Approach to Fatigue Life Prediction of Matrix-Dominated Fibre-Reinforced Composites
R.A.S. Siriwardane Arachchilage (TU Delft - Aerospace Engineering)
R.C. Alderliesten – Mentor (TU Delft - Aerospace Engineering)
J.A. Pascoe – Graduation committee member (TU Delft - Aerospace Engineering)
R. Benedictus – Graduation committee member (TU Delft - Aerospace Engineering)
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Abstract
The thesis extends Lennart Krieg's modified linear viscoelastic fatigue life prediction framework to matrix-dominated angle-ply 45 glass-fiber/epoxy composite laminates. To account for matrix nonlinearity, Schapery's nonlinear viscoelastic constitutive theory was integrated into Krieg's fatigue life prediction equation via an augmentation parameter derived from creep-recovery tests. Applying a saturated capped augmentation parameter significantly improved life predictions, reducing root-mean-square errors across stress ratios (e.g. from 0.656 to 0.316 decades for R=0.3). Independent evaluations using dynamic mechanical analysis and stress-sweep testing yielded well-aligned fatigue limit estimates (69 - 77 MPa). Overall, this work provides a successful proof-of-concept for physics-based fatigue prediction in matrix-dominated composites