Life Prediction of PPS Composites
Subjected to Cyclic Loading at Elevated Temperatures
James S. Loverich, Blair E. Russell, Scott W. Case and Kenneth L.
Reifsnider
Combinations of failure mechanisms are frequently encountered in the
life prediction of composite materials. Life prediction methodology presented by
Reifsnider et al is applied to one such failure mechanism combination. This method uses
experimental data and analytical tools to predict the long-term behavior of a composite
under service conditions. This prediction scheme is based on the assumption that damage
accumulation progressively reduces the remaining strength of a composite. An overview of
the fundamental concepts of the life prediction method is presented. The method is used to
model the elevated temperature fatigue behavior of a unidirectional AS-4 carbon fiber /
PolyPhenylene Sulfide (PPS) matrix composite material. The nonlinear combined effects of
time at elevated temperature and fatigue are taken into account by considering elevated
temperature tensile rupture and room temperature fatigue behavior. The life prediction for
the combined loading is compared to 90°C tensile-tensile fatigue data. This comparison
shows good correlation between the prediction and data and demonstrates the methods
effectiveness in life prediction modeling.