Abstract

Three different architectures of 3D carbon fiber woven composites (orthogonal, ORT; layer-to-layer, LTL; angle interlock, AI) were tested in quasi-static uniaxial tension. Mechanical tests (tensile in on-axis of warp and weft directions as well as 45° off-axis) were carried out with the aim to study the loading direction sensitivity of these 3D woven composites. The z-binder architecture (the through-thickness reinforcement) has an effect on void content, directional fiber volume fraction, mechanical properties (on-axis and off-axis), failure mechanisms, energy absorption and fiber rotation angle in off-axis tested specimens. Out of all the examined architectures, 3D orthogonal woven composites (ORT) demonstrated a superior behavior, especially when they were tested in 45° off-axis direction, indicated by high strain to failure (∼23%) and high translaminar energy absorption (∼40 MJ/m3). The z-binder yarns in ORT architecture suppress the localized damage and allow larger fiber rotation during the fiber "scissoring motion" that enables further strain to be sustained by the in-plane fabric layers during off-axis loading.

Department(s)

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Publication Status

Full Text Access

Comments

Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, Grant EP/I033513/1

Keywords and Phrases

A. 3-Dimensional reinforcement; A. Carbon fibre; C. Damage mechanics; D. Mechanical testing

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 Nov 2016

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