Thermomechanical behaviour of composite materials and structures under high temperatures .1. Materials

The aim of the present series of papers is to model peculiarities of the thermomechanical behaviour of polymer composite materials under high temperatures (similar to 300 degrees C and higher) when the physico-chemical processes of pyrolysis and charring of the composite occur. Peculiarities considered are divided into two groups: peculiarities of the thermomechanical properties of the composites themselves and peculiarities of the behaviour of composite structures under high temperatures. A model for the thermomechanical behaviour of composites is developed and a comparison of calculated results with experimental data for glass/epoxy is conducted. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Limited.