Abstract
The effect of stitch density (SD) on fatigue life, stiffness degradation and fatigue damage mechanisms in carbon/epoxy (T800SC/XNRH6813) stitched using Vectran thread is presented in this paper. Moderately stitched composite (SD = 0.028/mm2; 'stitched 6 x 6') and densely stitched composite (SD = 0.111/mm2; 'stitched 3 x 3') are tested and compared with composite without stitch thread (SD = 0.0; 'unstitched'). The experiments show that the fatigue life of stitched 3 x 3 is moderately better than that of unstitched and stitched 6 x 6. Stitched 3 x 3 pattern is also able to postpone the stiffness degradation onset. The improvement of fatigue properties and postponement of stiffness degradation onset in stitched 3 x 3 is primarily due to an effective impediment of edge-delamination. Quantification of damage at various cycles and stress levels shows that stitch density primarily affects the growth rate of delamination. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Recommended Citation
A. Yudhanto et al., "Effect of Stitch Density on Fatigue Characteristics and Damage Mechanisms of Stitched Carbon/epoxy Composites," Composites Part A Applied Science and Manufacturing, vol. 60, pp. 52 - 65, Elsevier, May 2014.
The definitive version is available at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesa.2014.01.013
Department(s)
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Publication Status
Full Text Access
Keywords and Phrases
A. 3-Dimensional reinforcement; A. Polymer-matrix composites (PMCs); B. Delamination; B. Fatigue
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
1359-835X
Document Type
Article - Journal
Document Version
Citation
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2025 Elsevier, All rights reserved.
Publication Date
01 May 2014
