Prediction of creep properties of laminated composites from matrix creep data

A new model to predict the creep response of laminated composite materials is presented. The correspondence principle is used to perform the micro- and macro-mechanics analysis in the Laplace domain. A new set of micromechanical formulas are used, which are accurate without the use of empirical correction factors. A macro-mechanical model is developed, which includes provisions for modeling materials with randomly oriented reinforcement. Experimental data for the neat vinyl ester resin and various laminates is presented. The theoretical model accurately predicts the experimental creep response of polymer matrix composites considered in this work.