Fatigue testing and performance of fiber reinforced polymer composites

Abstract

This study delves into the comparative fatigue behavior of fibre-reinforced polymer composites. It specifically focuses on how these materials endure under cyclic loading conditions, a critical factor in their application across various engineering domains. In analyzing fatigue mechanisms, the research underlines a notable difference between the two material types. Traditional metals are prone to failure starting from a single fracture point, leading to complete failure. In contrast, fibre-reinforced polymer composites exhibit an enhanced resistance to both the initiation and progression of cracks. This inherent durability is a key factor that could redefine their role in engineering applications. Central to the study is the analysis of CF-PA6 composites. These composites have been specifically augmented with fillers to boost their fatigue resistance. The research investigates how these fillers contribute to enhancing the material's resilience against repetitive stress. The findings of the study are particularly noteworthy. There was a remarkable increase in the ultimate tensile strength of CF-PA6 when modified with filler materials. Specifically, the tensile strength increased from 589.96 MPa to a significant 868.78 MPa with a 2WT% (Weight Percent) filler addition and remained high at 747.08 MPa even with a 4WT% filler content. Furthermore, the Fatigue Strength Coefficients showed substantial improvement, increasing by 22.30% with 2WT% filler and 16.46% with 4WT% filler. These improvements in mechanical properties highlight the potential of Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites (FRPCs) in high-stress engineering applications. This research not only reinforces the growing importance of fibre-reinforced polymer composites in engineering but also opens new avenues for their application in areas traditionally dominated by metals.