Separation of Strain Components in Composite Materials From Thermoelastic Temperature Measurements

Abstract

In this paper experimental data is used to demonstrate how point-to-point strain components can be determined from thermoelastic temperature data. This is done by making use of the very obvious effects of thermal conduction on the cyclic surface temperature changes which can occur as a composite material undergoes an oscillating stress. By observing the cyclic surface temperature changes for different loading frequencies, the adiabatic heat generated in the different plies may be determined. With this knowledge, the strain components experienced by a composite laminate may be found.