Temperature dependence of dynamic modules and damping in composites and optical telecommunications cables by the vibration resonance technique

This paper applies the vibration resonance technique to test the dynamic modulus and damping properties of pultruded composite rods and optical fiber cables at elevated temperatures. The measurements were conducted using the specimens in their commercial forms. The damping factor and flexural modulus of an optical cable at elevated temperatures that are derived theoretically from the properties of its constituents are compared with the experimental validation. The contributions of the constituents to the stiffness and damping factor of cable structures are analyzed. Finally, the resonance technique and conventional dynamic mechanical thermal analysis for testing dynamic properties of fiber composites are compared and discussed. The work demonstrated that the resonance technique provides a good nondestructive solution to test stiff composites and multicomponent cables.