Changes in the strength of reinforced plastics for long-term operation in open climatic conditions

Structural elements made of polymer composite materials (PCM) during operation in climatic conditions lose their strength and ability for trouble-free safe operation. It is shown that the deterioration of the strength characteristics of PCM in arctic conditions is caused by daily and seasonal thermal and moisture cycles, which cause an increase in internal stresses and the formation of microcracks in polymer matrices. To model changes in the strength of reinforced plastics, information is needed on the emerging gradient of indicators over the thickness of the samples.