Long-term performance evaluation and prediction of composite materials and structures

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At present materials are being engineered in response to specific product needs, e.g. increased stiffness which results in reduced weight, or improved corrosion resistance and fatigue lives. Examples of such materials are Advanced Composite Materials (ACM's) where the matrix (polymer, aluminum/titanium) is reinforced by fibres or particles of another stiffer material. While some of the mechanical properties are enhanced by the introduction of a second phase material (e.g. elastic modulus, ultimate strength, and corrosion or erosion resistance) other properties may be affected adversely (e.g. ductility, initiation of cracks, interfacial damage, micro-plasticity/creep, bond weakening under cyclic loading and resistance to temperature / environment). Thus a thorough investigation of the long-term behaviour of these advanced engineered materials is required before the full scope of their application can be assessed.