Mechanisms of in-plane shear deformation in hybrid three-dimensional woven composites. (December 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Muñoz, R; González, C; Llorca, J
• Is Part Of: Journal of composite materials. Volume 49:Number 30(2015)
• Page Start: 3755
• Page End: 3763
• Publication Date: 2015-12
• Subjects: Hybrid composites -- three-dimensional woven composites -- shear deformation -- micromechanisms -- fracture; Composite materials -- Periodicals; Composites -- Périodiques; 620.118
• DOI: 10.1177/0021998314568333
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0021-9983

Abstract

The in-plane shear response of a hybrid three-dimensional woven composite laminate is studied, and the deformation and failure micromechanisms are analysed by means of full-field strain measurements and X-ray microtomography. It was found that the laminate presented a very high failure strain ( ≈38%), much higher than that of conventional two-dimensional laminates. Extensive damage was clearly observed during deformation in the form of matrix/fibre debonding and tow splitting by shear. Nevertheless, the through-thickness reinforcement hindered the development of failure by interply delamination and improved the ductility. Final fracture took place by tensile fibre failure, and the strain-to-failure was enhanced by the higher ductility of the glass fibres.