Effect of Water Absorption on Strength of the Aeronautical Composite Material Fiberdux HTA/6376

The effect of water absorption on tensile strength and fatigue life of the Fiberdux HTA/6376 composite laminated material was experimentally and numerically investigated. For the investigation, a quasi-isotropic and a cross-ply layup were considered. Tensile and fatigue tests were carried out with dry and wet specimens subjected to water absorption up to the water uptake saturation point. Fractographic analyses of fracture surfaces were conducted to detect the type of accumulated damage. To describe the mechanical behavior of the material a FE-based progressive damage model was developed. Material properties used in the model are those of the saturated material evaluated experimentally. Convergent results reveal an appreciable degradation in the ultimate tensile strength and fatigue life of the composite material owing to water absorption.