Thermal-Structural and Macromechanical Behavior Analysis of Graphite-Based Laminated Composite

High temperatures are usually used to process composite materials. The temperature difference between the composite material polymer matrix composites (PMCs) and the ambient environment is generally around 200°C to 300°C when they cool down to room temperature. The combination of layers is used to create a perfect laminate. Due to the varying thermal expansion rates of each of the three layers in a laminate, the residual stress in the structure can vary depending on the angle at which it is placed. For instance, the thermal strains are different in transverse and longitudinal directions. The stresses and strain were investigated at different orientations and found that the outcomes are better than the longitudinal and transverse stacking. This work investigates the influence of thermal loads and mechanical loads on the stress-strain relationship of a polycrystalline carbon (PCO) polymer (graphite fiber) laminate. Through a combination of methods, the researchers developed a macromechanical analysis that considers the multiple strains and local stresses of composite materials. Past research could indicate the ideal ply orientation for composites.