Effect of Temperature and Moisture on Pin Bearing Strength of Composite Laminates

A series of pin bearing tests has been conducted to examine the effect of temperature and moisture on the strength of graphite/epoxy laminates. Three laminate orientations [OZ/±45] 1$’ [902 /:t45] 2$ and [0/90/:t45] 2$ were studied under room temperature and 260°F. Wet specimens with 1.5% of moisture content by weight were also tested under the above temperatures. Based on the experimental results under the conditions tested, a number of conclusions can be drawn. The pin bearing strength at the 260°F-wet condition was 40% less than the strength at room temperature-dry in all three orientations. It is apparent from the test results that no interaction between temperature and moisture on the strength degradation can be