Authors : B. Boucham , A. Chateauneuf and E.A. Adda Bedia
Abstract: The deterioration of composite materials due to moisture and environmental attacks is one of the most critical phenomena in lifetime management of structures. In this research, the effects of temperature and moisture on polymer composite plates are studied. On the basis of Fick�s law, the analysis of hygrothermal effects allows us to determine the evolution of water concentration through Graphite/Epoxy plates thickness. A transient hygrothermal analysis is performed to show the environmental effects on composite materials deterioration during absorption process. This deterministic modelling is followed by a probabilistic study allowing to analyse the development of uncertainties within the model and to consider the role of water concentration on the composite material life span. The study shows also the importance of reliability analysis in composite materials design to achieve a robust design.
B. Boucham , A. Chateauneuf and E.A. Adda Bedia , 2007. Moisture Concentration Effect on Reliability in Graphite/Epoxy Plates under Environmental Conditions . Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences, 2: 993-996.