An assessment of the reliability of CFRP composites used in nodes of friction after impact of UV-A impacts and thermal shocks

This article describes the results of tribological research into epoxy-based composites reinforced with carbon fiber. The composites were subjected to accelerated tests simulating a semi-annual influence of environmental conditions of an elevated temperature, precipitation in combination with an influence of UV-A radiation of 0.83 W/m 2 as well as cyclic thermal shocks causing a leap temperature difference of 116.5°C. The process of friction was conducted in conditions of dry friction and wet friction in the presence of water. The authors found a positive influence of a two-month impact of environmental conditions upon increasing wear resistance. They found a reduction in weight in conditions of friction with water. At the same time, a reliability analysis for the same boundary conditions showed an increased risk of critical composite damage. The article indicates areas of safe exploitation of composites and areas of the necessity of withdrawing composites from further exploitation under the assumed environmental and tribological loads.