Viscoelasticity of low fibre content NCF composites

Abstract: In this thesis the viscoelastic behavior of a composite with Unidirectional
carbon fiber reinforcement (TORAYCA T700SC) and a vinyl ester (Derakane
8090) matrix is investigated. After having determined the resins
viscoelastic properties by means of creep testing, the properties of the
fiber bundle impregnated with resin are calculated using a micro mechanical
model for a UD composite. Once the viscoelastic properties for both the
resin and the reinforcement bundles are obtained, the viscoelastic response
of a Non Crimp Fabric composite may be simulated in a macroscopic model by
means of a finite element model. In this way it is possible to obtain the
properties of a composite with arbitrary orientation and mixing relation
between fiber and resin. These results can be modified to predict properties
of other fiber reinforcements and resins. After a creep test of the matrix,
followed by determination of the formation of fibre in the composite, one
can use this work to retrieve the properties of the new material.