ABSTRACT
I. INTRODUCTION The mechanical properties of polymeric matrix composites reinforced with continuous fibers or fabrics (cloth) are presented in this chapter. This information is essential for assessing the performance of continuous fiber composites as well as for making some preliminary decisions on the selection of these materials for a specific use. The latter also requires a multitude of considerations such as cost, structural performance requirements, suitability for use in the proposed manufacturing process, ease of processing, experience, reliability and maintainability during service, available mechanical and environmental properties database, and several other parameters. This chapter provides representative or typical tensile, compressive, shear, and other static or dynamic properties of laminated composites in both normal and other environmental conditions involving elevated temperature or humidity. First the basic properties (elastic modulus and static strength) that are the important baseline data required for material selection and initial design are discussed. Thereafter, fatigue, impact, creep, stress relaxation, failure under sustained loading (frequently called static fatigue or creep rupture), and environmental effects are presented.
