Numerical and digital image correlation analysis of tensile behavior of thin-ply hybrid laminates with discontinuous carbon sandwiched by continuous glass and carbon

Abstract

Thin-ply hybrid laminates of glass and carbon fibers have been widely adopted in engineering pseudo-ductility. In this study, a Finite Element model is proposed using Abaqus to predict pseudo-ductility in thin-ply laminates consisting of three materials. These materials comprise continuous carbon (CC) and continuous glass sandwiching partial discontinuous carbon (DC). The model adopts the Hashin criterion for damage initiation in the fibers and the mixed-mode Benzeggagh-Kenane criterion on cohesive surfaces for delamination initiation and propagation. Numerically predicted stress–strain results are verified with experimental results under tensile loading. Results show pseudo-ductility increases with the increase in DC layers, and pseudo-yield strength and strain increase with the increase in CC layers. 3D-Digital Image Correlation results indicate delamination growth on pseudo-ductile laminates, and the calculated Poisson’s ratios show pseudo-ductility occurs below 0.27. Moreover, Poisson’s ratio decreases with an increase in pseudo-ductility.

Prediction of pseudo‐ductility and structural optimization of nacre‐inspired carbon fiber‐reinforced polymer laminate

“…By varying the length of the hybrid fibers, the trend of pseudo-ductility may be derived. 23 On the other hand, the optimization of composite structure was an effective approach of improving the ductility. As is well known, many biological structural characteristics have been used for reference in some material's structures.…”

“…When compared with the estimated elastic modulus of the cross‐ply S‐glass/epoxy baseline composite, stiffness increases of 20%–70% were obtained. By varying the length of the hybrid fibers, the trend of pseudo‐ductility may be derived 23 …”