Effects of moisture and loading mode on transverse cracking of GFRP laminates

The results of an experimental program on the effects of moisture and loading mode (quasi-static and impact tensile loading) on the transverse cracking in crossply GFRP laminates are presented. It was found that the impact loading increases the first ply failure stress, the rate of transverse cracking growth and the crack density at the characteristic damage state. It was also observed that for the quasi-static loading the absorved moisture reduces the first ply failure stress, leaving unchanged the rate of transverse cracking development and the final crack density. However, the extent of axial stiffness reduction depends on the moisture content. This moisture effects are only partially reversible. The Talreja’s continuum damage theory was used to analyze the stiffness loss and a close agreement between predictions and measurements was found.