Quasi static mechanical study of vacuum bag infused bouligand inspired composites. (August 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Amorim, L.; Santos, A.; Nunes, J.P.; Dias, G.; Viana, J.C.
• Is Part Of: Polymer testing. Volume 100(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-08
• Subjects: Carbon fibre -- Bouligand architecture -- Vacuum bag infusion -- Quasi-static testing -- FE modelling -- Failure mode; Polymers -- Testing -- Periodicals; Polymères -- Tests -- Périodiques; 620.1920287
• DOI: 10.1016/j.polymertesting.2021.107261
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0142-9418

Abstract

Abstract: Three novel Bouligand inspired composites were produced by vacuum bag infusion manufacturing process and their quasi-static mechanical performance were compared to a conventional aircraft laminate. A morphologic/physical study was first conducted for all configurations and their mechanical response under tensile, three-point bending (3-PB) and interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) tests were then evaluated and discussed. No significant number of voids were detected into laminates, however, a rough and poor defined interlaminar region was observed in both Bouligand-like configurations. Under quasi-static mechanical solicitations, and when compared to reference layup, bioinspired configurations have shown similar and 18% higher tensile and flexural modulus. However, the progressive and translaminar failure mode, typically observed in these configurations, led to a lower load bearing capability. Despite presented similar interlaminar resistance than reference, finite element models built have revealed a good correlation between cross-section stress field and failure mode observed experimentally. Highlights: Vacuum bag infused carbon/epoxy bioinspired Bouligand-like laminates. Morphological analyses of vacuum bagged composites revealed a rough and poor-defined interlaminar region. Bouligand-like layups have delayed catastrophic failure by the formation of a progressive and translaminar matrix cracking. Finite element (FE) models revealed a good correlation between stress fields and failure mode observed experimentally.