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Advanced TidGen Power System - Composites Structural Testing

Published by ORPC Inc. | Department of Energy | Metadata Last Checked: January 27, 2026 | Last Modified: 2020-06-01T19:26:19Z
Seawater aging response was investigated in marine-grade glass/epoxy, glass/vinyl ester, carbon/epoxy and carbon/vinyl ester composites with respect to water uptake, interlaminar shear strength, flexural strength, tensile strength, and tensile fracture surface observations. The reduction of mechanical properties was found to be higher in the initial stages which showed saturation in the longer durations of seawater immersion. The flexural strength and ultimate tensile strength (UTS) dropped by about 35% and 27% for glass/epoxy, 22% and 15% for glass/vinyl ester, 48% and 34% for carbon/epoxy 28%, and 21% carbon/vinyl ester composites respectively. The water uptake behavior of epoxy-based composites was inferior to that of the vinyl system. This is an investigation into the mechanical properties of fiber/resin composites and the effects of water saturation on them. State of the technology research was reviewed to select candidates for further testing. Shear strength and shear modulus of different combinations of commercial fibers, resins, and coating systems were determined.

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