Critical Factors for Frequency-Dependent Fatigue Processes in Composite Materials

Several fatigue-test parameters, including cyclic frequency, prefatigue material conditioning (preloading and step loading) and test-control modes (strain control and load control) are investigated and their effect on the fatigue response of composite materials (B/epoxy and B/Al) is discussed. A conceptual model based on the test results is offered to aid in the understanding of fatigue processes in composite materials and the effect of frequency on fatigue response. 17 ref.--AA.