The Effect of Pre-Cyclic Thermal Loads on the Buckling Performance of Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composites Without Post-Curing Treatment: Experimental and Numerical Investigation

SÜSLER S., BORA M. Ö., Ucan C., Türkmen H. S.

POLYMER COMPOSITES, vol.46, no.18, pp.16824-16836, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 46 Issue: 18
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.1002/pc.70074
  • Journal Name: POLYMER COMPOSITES
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, PASCAL, Aerospace Database, Chemical Abstracts Core, Chimica, Communication Abstracts, Compendex, INSPEC, Metadex, Civil Engineering Abstracts
  • Page Numbers: pp.16824-16836
  • Keywords: buckling, composite laminate design, degradation, post-curing, thermal cycling, thermoset prepregs, woven fabric
  • Kocaeli University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

This study examines the impact of pre-cyclic thermal loading on the buckling performance of S2 glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) composites fabricated without post-curing treatment. Specimens were subjected to 500 thermal cycles between -30 degrees C and +80 degrees C to simulate demanding aerospace conditions. Mechanical characterization was performed through tensile, shear, and buckling tests, and the results were compared with those of non-cycled counterparts. Finite element simulations incorporating Hashin's damage criteria were used to further elucidate the effects of thermal cycling. The findings reveal that pre-cyclic thermal exposure leads to notable improvements in in-plane material properties and critical buckling load, as well as enhanced displacement at buckling failure. Damage analysis indicates that thermal cycling strengthens fiber-matrix bonding while reducing delamination and micro-buckling. These results suggest that controlled thermal cycling can act as a quasi-post-curing process and offer a practical approach to enhance the durability and performance of GFRP composites in aerospace applications.