Research on the brittle fracture of FRP rods and its acoustic emission detection

Brittle fracture of composite insulator FRP rods has aroused widespread attention in China. In the laboratory, two load-applying methods are used to simulate the brittle fracture process. One is constant tensile load method, which is used to test the resistance of FRP core against stress corrosion. The other is decreasing tensile load method, with the purpose to simulate similar appearance of brittle fracture section in service. Some important factors that influence the brittle fracture process, which are not well described in IEC Drafts are discussed and clarified. Finally, the acoustic emission (AE) feature of the brittle fracture process is analyzed. It is in great difference from normal short-term tensile failure process.