Temperature-Frequency–Dependent Viscoelastic Properties of Neat Epoxy and Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites: Experimental Characterization and Theoretical Predictions

In general, aerospace structures manufactured using fiber reinforced polymer composites are exposed to fluctuating temperatures and subjected to cyclic loading during their service life. Therefore, studying the temperature-frequency dependent properties of composites for different fiber orientations is essential. However, such experiments are expensive, time-consuming and labor-intensive while theoretical models minimize these issues, but temperature-frequency-dependent viscoelastic models for predicting the full-range of the storage and loss moduli curves of composites are limited. In this study, the dynamic mechanical properties of a neat epoxy resin, unidirectional ([0°]6, [45°]6 and [90°]6), symmetric angle-ply [+45°/−45°/+45°]s and quasi-isotropic [±45°/0°/90°]s carbon/epoxy and glass/epoxy composite panels were investigated. Experiments were performed from room temperature (approximately 35 °C) to 160 °C at five different frequencies (1, 10, 20, 33 and 50 Hz). Two parameter viscoelastic models as function of temperature and frequency were used, and their applicability in predicting the storage and loss moduli for the entire region of the temperature curve is shown. The storage modulus values were compared and validated against the static flexural modulus values coupled with scanning electron microscopy analysis. The flexural and storage moduli values were found to be higher for [0°]6 carbon/epoxy composites, while the activation energy values were found to be higher in the case of [+45°/−45°/+45°]s carbon/epoxy composites compared with epoxy resin and other laminates in different orientations. The predicted results were in reasonably good agreement with the experiments. Both experimental and modeling approaches used in this study are highly valuable for designing aerospace composites for harsh in-service loading conditions.