Effect of Strain Rate on the Transverse Tension and Compression Behavior of a Unidirectional Non-Crimp Fabric Carbon Fiber/Snap-Cure Epoxy Composite

Abstract

The strain rate-dependent behavior of a unidirectional non-crimp fabric (UD-NCF) carbon fiber/snap-cure epoxy composite loaded along the transverse direction under quasi-static and dynamic conditions was characterized. Transverse tension and compression tests at quasi-static and intermediate strain rates were performed using hydraulic testing machines, while a split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) apparatus was used for transverse compression tests at high strain rates. A pulse shaper was used on the SHPB apparatus to ensure dynamic equilibrium was achieved and that the test specimens deformed homogenously with a nearly constant strain rate. The transverse tensile strength at a strain rate of 16 s−1 increased by 16% when compared to that at quasi-static strain rates, while distinct localized fracture surface morphology was observed for specimens tested at different strain rates. The transverse compressive yield stress and strength at a strain rate of 325 s−1 increased by 94% and 96%, respectively, when compared to those at quasi-static strain rates. The initial fracture plane orientation for the transverse compression tests was captured with high-speed cameras and found to increase with increasing strain rate. The study provides an important data set for the strain rate-dependent response of a UD-NCF composite material, while the qualitative fracture surface observations provide a deeper understanding of the failure characteristics.

Dynamic Impact Properties of Carbon-Fiber-Reinforced Phenolic Composites Containing Microfillers

“…A survey of the available literature shows that, whereas several research works (Zhao et al [ 47 ], Mohsin et al [ 48 ], Rouf et al [ 49 ], Lomakin et al [ 50 ], Rouf et al [ 51 ], Li et al [ 52 ])have been carried out on the dynamic mechanical properties of plain CF-reinforced polymer composites, there is little information on the dynamic impact behaviour of microfiller-modified CFRPCs (Chihi et al [ 53 ]) investigated using a split-Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) apparatus. Zhao et al [ 47 ] used an electromagnetic SHPB to study the influence of strain rate and loading direction on the compressive failure behaviour of 2D triaxially braided CF fabric/epoxy resin composites at dynamic strain rates of 200 s −1 and 220 s −1 .…”

“…Both axial and transverse compressive strengths were found to increase with strain rate, which they attributed to change in the mechanisms of damage evolution. Rouf et al [ 49 ] studied the effect of strain rate on the compressive failure characteristics of a 1D non-crimp fabric (1D-NCF) carbon fiber/epoxy composite at strain rates of 0.003/s, 0.2/s, and 325/s. The high strain rate (325/s) test was performed using a SHPB apparatus.…”