Use of split-disk tests for the process parameters of filament wound epoxy composite tubes

The aim of this study was to investigate processing parameters of continuous fiber reinforced epoxy composite tubes produced by the filament winding technique. For this purpose, split-disk tests (according to ASTM D-2290 standard) were performed for the specimens produced with two different epoxy resin systems, five different fiber materials and five different winding angles. By determining the hoop tensile strength and modulus of these specimens, the effects of three filament-winding processing parameters; resin type, fiber type and winding angle were evaluated. It is found that use of different epoxy resin systems has no significant influences, while use of carbon fibers compared to glass fibers and use of winding angles greater than 60° increase the performance of the structures considerably. It is also concluded that split-disk tests are efficient to determine the performance of these tubular structures which are usually used under internal pressure developing high hoop stresses.