Fatigue behavior of plasma spray coatings on polymer matrix composite materials

Abstract

The majority of coated structural components are subjected to fluctuating internal and/or applied stress because of oscillating mechanical loads. The fatigue behavior of coatings and the overall cyclic failure response of coated structures have remained relatively unexplored. This study was an effort to investigate the fatigue behavior of plasma spray coatings on polymer matrix composite materials. Since no ASTM standard is available, we designed our own experiment to determine coatings suitability under cyclic loading, response in dynamic loading conditions, fatigue failure modes and fatigue life. Coatings were tested at different stress levels and frequencies. The stresses versus number of cycles (S-N) curves for the coatings were generated. The results indicate that the plasma spay coatings on polymer matrix composite materials are suitable for dynamic loading conditions.