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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 05 May 2011
Seemann Composites Resin Infusion Molding Process (called SCRIMPTM for short) is a resin transfer molding process which is commonly used in the manufacture of yachts. Fiber-Reinforced Plastic (called FRP for short) manufactured by using SCRIMP has higher fiber-volume-content than that manufactured by using Hand Lay-Up Process (called HLUP for short). In general, the tensile strength and fatigue strength are used to compare the tensile properties of SCRIMP-FRP and HLUP-FRP. In this paper, another viewpoint of comparison is used to compare their tensile properties, especially their fatigue tensile properties. Experiments on the fatigue life and damage phenomena in SCRIMP-FRP and HLUP-FRP were performed. Experimental results show that if the same fibers are used in SCRIMP-FRP and HLUPFRP, SCRIMP-FRP will be much thinner than HLUP-FRP and few air bubbles exist inside SCRIMP-FRP. Although SCRIMP-FRP has higher tensile strength than HLU-FRP, the tensile forces they can bear are approached. That means, processes do not affect the tensile load carrying capacities of FRP. However, SCRIMP-FRP exhibits shorter fatigue life than HLUP-FRP. The reason for that is discussed in this paper and qualitative analysis is performed to explain the author's contentions.