Damage tolerance in graphite‐epoxy composite: Comprehensive monitoring method

Abstract A failure model is proposed to calculate the minimum expected lifetime of a graphite‐epoxy structure under cyclic loading conditions. The theoretical approach is based on the statistical theory of strength and the mechanical redistribution of stresses between piles of a damaged laminate. The use of the acoustic emission technique has permitted the development of internal damage to be monitored during cyclic loading of unidirectional laminates. The experimental results indicate that the composite can withstand greater damage at low level cyclic loading than observed during monotonic loading to failure. The theoretical modeling under development aims at predicting this behavior.