A new method for evaluation of mechanical properties of glass/epoxy composites at low temperatures

The analytical models based on micromechanical properties of composites are applied to predict the behavior of unidirectional (UD) composite under different types of loadings at room temperature and -60°C. In this study, unlike conventional methods which characterize UD composite via experimental tests on UD specimens under tensile, compressive and shear loadings, micromechanical properties of glass fiber and epoxy matrix at room temperature and -60°C are measured. Then by using various analytical models four elastic moduli and strengths at room temperature and -60°C are calculated. To investigate the validity of the results, experimental tests are performed and compared with analytical results. Results show that elasticity model is the best analytical method to predict four elastic moduli at room temperature and -60°C. Good fits are also found between experimental and analytical results for composite mechanical properties at the room temperature and -60°C.