High Strain Rate Compression Characterization of Affordable Woven Carbon/Epoxy Composites under Off-Axis Loading

Abstract

This paper discusses an experimental study on the response of affordable plain weave carbon/epoxy composite laminates to high strain rate compression loading using a modified Compression Split Hopkinson's Pressure Bar (SHPB) under off-axis loading. 37 layer laminates were manufactured using aerospace grade woven fabrics with a SC-15 epoxy resin system, utilizing a Vacuum Assisted Resin Infusion Molding (VARIM) approach. Samples were subjected to high strain rate compression loading at strain rates ranging from 1187/s to 2289/s in the plane of the laminates, using a modified SHPB that facilitates controlled single pulse loading of the sample. Samples were tested along 0°,15°, 30°, and 45° off-axes angles. Quasi-static tests were carried out to compare them with the dynamic response. Failure modes were evaluated using optical micrographs. Results were analyzed in terms of peak stress, strain at peak stress, failure modes and orientation.

Digital Imaging and Fractographical Analyzes of Perforation-induced Delamination of Laminated Graphite-Epoxy Composite

“…1.0 for the 32-ply specimen. These observations are in agreement with impact studies of composite plates by Liu et al [27] and penetration studies by others [28] who also observed maximum energy absorption at perforation limit energy. A lower residual energy and a higher peak energy absorbed are observed for the thick plate than in the thin plate for the same energy ratio.…”

Aerospace Engineering

“…During service, aircraft structures are subjected to dynamic loads such as impact with foreign bodies, projectile impacts, and shock waves, which may significantly affect the mechanical properties of thermoplastic fiber-reinforced (TFR) composite materials used for these high-performance structures [1][2][3]. Thus, a reliable design of the composite components requires a detailed mechanical characterization at high strain rates because in most cases, due to the lack of dynamic properties, static properties are used in material selection and design, which can result in excessive structural weight or cause unexplained and untimely failure [1,[4][5][6].…”