Comparative study of the flexural properties of fiber-metal laminates subjected to extreme freeze-thaw cycles

Freeze-thaw cycles represent a critical challenge in materials science, particularly in aerospace applications where composite materials are exposed to extreme environmental conditions. These cycles can significantly affect the mechanical properties and long-term durability of fiber-metal laminates (FMLs), which are increasingly utilized in aerospace structures due to their superior fatigue and strength-to-weight ratio. Despite the recognized importance of freeze-thaw behavior, there is a notable research gap concerning the specific influence of the FML’s constituent components on their performance under such conditions. This study focuses on two types of FMLs constructed from aluminum sheets and fiberglass/epoxy composites, differentiated solely by the type of epoxy resin employed, which exhibits different mechanical properties. The investigation involves subjecting these laminates to extreme freeze-thaw cycles at boiling water and -۲۰ °C, conditions that exceed the standard operational ranges typically experienced within airspace environments, to assess their resulting flexural properties. The findings reveal a substantial correlation between the shear strength of the resin used in FML fabrication and the material’s response to freeze-thaw degradation. This research significantly contributes to the understanding of the importance of material selection in enhancing the durability of FMLs employed in aerospace structures.

کلیدواژه ها:

Freeze-thaw cycles ، Flexural properties ، Fiber-metal laminates (FMLs) ، Epoxy resin