A 3D tomographic investigation to elucidate the low-velocity impact resistance, tolerance and damage sequence of thin non-crimp fabric laminates: effect of ply-thickness. (October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: García-Rodríguez, S.M.; Costa, J.; Bardera, A.; Singery, V.; Trias, D.
• Is Part Of: Composites. Volume 113(2018)
• Page Start: 53
• Page End: 65
• Publication Date: 2018-10
• Subjects: Thin-ply -- B. Impact behaviour -- C. Damage mechanics -- D. CT analysis; Composite materials -- Periodicals; Manufacturing processes -- Periodicals; Composite materials; Manufacturing processes; Periodicals; 620.11805
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compositesa.2018.07.013
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-835X

Abstract

Abstract: While thin-plies delay the onset of matrix cracking and improve certain in-plane mechanical properties, the effect they have on the out-of-plane response remains unclear. We compared the impact resistance, tolerance and sequence of failure events of thin laminates manufactured with thin- or standard-ply non-crimp fabrics (fibre areal weight of 67 and 134 gsm per ply). Damage initiation and propagation was detailed using (a) quasi-static indentation and impact tests at incremental energy levels and (b) X-ray tomography. The analysis revealed the damage mechanisms underlying the observed load drops in the force-displacement curves. In the indented specimens, the 3D post-process ascribed matrix cracks and delaminations to their corresponding plies/interfaces. Standard-ply samples develop more extended delaminations and delay fibre failure, improving the load-carrying capacity and increasing compression after impact (CAI) strength by 27% for impact at 14 J.