The damage-based design approach will permit an additional method of design for GFRP materials. This is a very useful technique to determine the performance of different types of resins and composition of GFRP materials in order to develop a damage tolerant and reliable design. This AE-based method is not unique, other damage-sensitive evaluation methods can also be used.

This practice involves the use of acoustic emission instrumentation and examination techniques as a means of damage detection to support a destructive test, in order to derive the damage-based design stress.

This practice is not intended as a definitive predictor of long-term performance of GFRP materials (such as those used in vessels). For this reason, codes and standards require cyclic proof testing of prototypes (for example, vessels) which are not a part of this practice.

Other design methods exist and are permitted.

1.1 This practice details procedures for establishing the direct stress and shear stress damage-based design values for use in the damage-based design criterion for materials to be used in GFRP vessels and other GFRP structures. The practice uses data derived from acoustic emission examination of four-point beam bending tests and in-plane shear tests (see ASME Section X, Article RT-8).

1.2 The onset of lamina damage is indicated by the presence of significant acoustic emission during the reload portion of load/reload cycles. “Significant emission” is defined with historic index.

1.3 Units—The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units which are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.