Northern regions of Canada present a huge potential for wind energy production. Unfortunately, it introduces new challenges regarding the operating conditions. This thesis presents a study on the effects of northern climate on the fatigue life of unidirectional glass fibre/époxy composites.
Following a review of previous researches in that field, we provide the results of the present study. Under controlled experimental conditions, we examined the individual and combined effects of low temperatures, moisture content, and freeze-thaw cycles on the fatigue life Under tension load of composites. These results were compared to dry and room temperature conditions that served as a baseline.
Statistical analysis suggests that thermal cycles between 40 °C and -40 °C do not affect the average fatigue life of unidirectional composites. Freeze-thaw cycles detrimentally affects the interface observed after failure of the specimens. At high stresses, moisture content decreases fatigue life while at low stresses, moisture content increases fatigue life probably due to an increase in ductility of the epoxy matrix. Low temperature did not affect the fatigue life of dry samples, but increased the fatigue life of specimens for moisture conditioned samples.
In dry conditions, Northern climates do not negatively affect the fatigue life of unidirectional composites. Freeze-thaw cycles also did not affect fatigue life of unidirectionnal composites. Future research should test its effect on the interface in multidirectional composites.
| Date | 6 Oct 2014 |
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| Original language | French |
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| Awarding Institution | - École de technologie supérieure
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| Supervisor | Simon Joncas (Supervisor) |
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Brassard, D. (Author),
Joncas (Supervisor),
6 Oct 2014Student thesis: Master's thesis › Master in Engineering: Mechanical Engineering