Creep of plain weave polymer matrix composites under on-axis and off-axis loading

Despite the increasing use of polymer woven composites in load-bearing structural applications, published research on their long-term durability is very limited. Hence, creep of plain weave polymer woven composites was investigated experimentally and analytically, using Hexcel Corporation’s F263/T300 2-harness (HS) composite material under on-axis (0°) and off-axis (45°) loading. Constant load creep experiments were conducted over a wide range of temperatures (80–240 °C) and stresses (1–70% of the ultimate tensile strength). Time–temperature-superposition-principle (TTSP) was used to obtain master creep curves at each stress level for a time period beyond the experimental time window. A modified equivalent laminate model (MELM) was developed to predict the creep compliance of plain weave composites for any load orientation with respect to fiber axis, using experimental creep compliance of unidirectional polymer composites. The model predictions were found to be in good agreement with the experimental results, within as well as beyond the experimental time window.