Environmental effects on the mechanical properties of E-glass and S-glass fiber epoxy composite ring specimens used in aircraft fuel pipes

An experimental investigation was performed in predicting the consequences of the exposure to seawater and moisture absorption on the mechanical properties of two different GFRE pipe rings made of E-glass and S-glass fiber and utilized in aircraft fuel pipe line system. Filament winded tubular composite pipe rings were immersed in seawater for two, four and six months, respectively and their moisture absorption was noted. The outcomes exhibit a remarkable decrease in fatigue life for saturated GFRE sample rings. In contrast, a water absorption up to 40% of the maximum content exhibited no impact. The tests revealed debonding and cracks in the fiber and matrix interphase in the case of samples immersed in seawater on a long-term basis, although the applied mechanical load was zero.