Perpustakaan Digital ITB

This study investigates the influence of seawater-induced moisture ageing on the mechanical performance of laminated carbon/epoxy composites using numerical simulations. Two widely used mechanical tests, Double Cantilever Beam (DCB) and Charpy impact tests were modeled with varying levels of relative humidity (RH) to simulate the effects of seawater exposure. The simulation results revealed a clear degradation pattern in fracture toughness, energy absorption, and maximum load as RH increased, particularly at intermediate levels (60–80%), where performance significantly dropped. Interestingly, a recovery in mechanical properties was observed at 100% RH, suggesting a post-curing phenomenon that enhances crack resistance by limiting further water uptake. The study confirms that moderate humidity levels (20–40% RH) provide optimal performance, potentially due to beneficial postcuring effects. The findings highlight the complex interaction between seawater exposure and composite behavior, offering valuable insight for marine and aerospace applications. Further experimental validation is recommended to strengthen the accuracy of the simulation results