The temperature effect on the inter-laminar shear properties and failure mechanism of 3D orthogonal woven composites

Abstract

Recent increases in the use of carbon fiber reinforced plastics, especially for high-temperature applications, has induced new challenges in evaluating their mechanical properties. The effects of temperature on the shear performance of 3-dimensional orthogonal and 2-dimensional plain woven composites were compared in this study through double-notch shear tests. A scanning electron microscope was employed to investigate the fiber/matrix interface properties to reveal the failure characteristics. The results showed that temperature had a visible impact on the inter-laminar shear strength (ILSS), deformation modes, and failure mechanism. The ILSS decreased as temperature increased, which was caused by the degradation of the matrix properties and fiber/matrix interface properties at high temperature. A finite element model was established to analyze the transient deformation process and the damage mechanism of the 3D orthogonal woven composite. This indicated that Z-binder yarns could improve the delamination resistance of 3D orthogonal woven composites, especially under high temperatures. The changes in failure modes of the 3D orthogonal woven composites was put down to thermal softening of the epoxy resin caused by high temperature and the undulation of the yarns.

Effects of high operating temperatures and holding times on thermomechanical and mechanical properties of autoclaved epoxy/carbon composite laminates

“…They reported that high temperatures could cause a progressive loss of matrix, thus the laminate degradation. Similarly, Li et al 22 characterized the interlaminar shear properties of three-dimensional orthogonal woven composites and showed that the ILSS decreased with increasing temperature ranging from 25 C to 150 C. This was associated with the degradation of the epoxy resin and the carbon/fiber/resin interface performance at high temperatures.…”

“…A minimal number of studies were carried out to study the performance of fiber-reinforced polymer composite laminates over time at high temperatures. [18][19][20][21][22] Li et al 18 investigated the mechanical properties of glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) exposed to operating temperatures ranging from 100 to 350 C for a holding time of 0, 60, or 120 min. Ashrafi et al 19 studied the influence of elevated temperature and holding time (20 and 120 min) on the tensile properties of CFRP.…”

Thermal stress distribution of multi-layered composite tubes affected by braiding angle

“…The results show that the thermal stress along the fiber direction is strong. Li et al 11 analyzed the effects of temperature on the shear performance of FRPC through double-notch shear tests, and the results showed that the shear strength decreased as temperature increased. Wen et al 12 established a meso-scale finite element model to analyze thermal residual stress of FRPC, the results show that the change in temperature and stress gradient led to cracking and peeling at the interface of fiber and matrix.…”

Predictions of the axial tensile property of the unidirectional composite influenced by microfiber breakage defects

“…Fiber-reinforced composites (FRPs) composed of high-performance fibers and the resin matrix have been widely used in many fields such as aerospace and aviation, amongst other industries. The FRPs include various composites such as unidirectional composites (UDs), laminates, and woven, 1,2 braided 1,3 and stitched 4 composites. The UD is a composite with the simplest structure but is very important in the field of FRPs.…”