Dynamic Tensile Properties of CFRP Manufactured by PCM and WCM: Effect of Strain Rate and Configurations

Abstract

Carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) is a promising material to achieve lightweight automotive components. The effects of the strain rate and configurations of CFRP on dynamic tensile properties have not yet been fully explored; thus, its lightweight benefits cannot be maximized. In this paper, the dynamic tensile properties of CFRPs, tested using two different processes with two different resins and four different configurations, were studied with a strain rate from 0.001 to 500 s−1. The tensile strength, modulus, failure strain, and fracture mechanism were analyzed. It was found that the dynamic performance enhances the strength and modulus, whereas it decreases the failure strain. The two processes demonstrated the same level of tensile strength but via different fracture mechanisms. Fiber orientation also significantly affects the fracture mode of CFRP. Resins and configurations both have an influence on strain rate sensitivity. An analytic model was proposed to examine the strain rate sensitivity of CFRPs with different processes and configurations. The proposed model agreed well with the experimental data, and it can be used in simulations to maximize the lightweight properties of CFRP.

Static and dynamic mechanical properties of carbon fiber reinforced polymer with different stacking sequences

“…Moreover, the tensile strength and modulus of plain weave CFRP are more sensitive than that of unidirectional CFRP. Subsequently, in the research on T700/EM817 manufactured by prepreg molding (PCM) and SGL400k/Henkel-H5 manufactured by resin film melting molding (WCM) by Yang, 28 the strain rate increased to 500 s À1 . Similar conclusions regarding tensile strength and modulus were drawn, but the failure strain decreased with increasing strain rate.…”

“…29 Many efforts have been carried out to investigate the tensile behavior of epoxy matrix laminates under strain rate ranging from quasi-static to intermediate strain rate below 600 s À1 . [24][25][26][27][28]30,31 However, there are only few studies involving the tensile properties of CF/epoxy laminates on high strain rate. 32,33 Moreover, very limited information is available on the effect of high strain rate on multi-directional CFRP laminates.…”