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Title: High Strain Rate Mechanical Characterization of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites Using Digital Image Correlations

Journal Article · · SAE International Journal of Materials and Manufacturing (Online)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.4271/2017-01-0230· OSTI ID:1504726
 [1];  [1];  [1];  [2];  [1]
  1. National Inst. of Standards and Technology (NIST), Gaithersburg, MD (United States)
  2. Ford Motor Company, Dearborn, MI (United States)
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We present that the introduction of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites to structural components in lightweight automotive structures necessitates an assessment to evaluate that their crashworthiness dynamic response provides similar or higher levels of safety compared to conventional metallic structures. In order to develop, integrate and implement predictive computational models for CFRP composites that link the materials design, molding process and final performance requirements to enable optimal design and manufacturing vehicle systems for this study, the dynamic mechanical response of unidirectional (UD) and 2x2 twill weave CRFP composites was characterized at deformation rates applicable to crashworthiness performance. Non-standardized specimen geometries were tested on a standard uniaxial frame and an intermediate-to-high speed dynamic testing frame, equipped with high speed cameras for 3D digital image correlation (DIC). Specimen cross-sections, according to each fiber orientation tested, were consistent across strain rates to ensure results were comparable. Tensile strength and modulus were experimentally investigated over a wide range of strain rates (0.0001 to 200 s-1). DIC was used to estimate strain profiles on composites surfaces, and the modulus was calculated from those strain measurements. Experimental results demonstrated an increase in the tensile strength of UD CFRP composites in the longitudinal (0°) and transverse (90°) direction with increasing strain rates. In contrast, the tensile strength of 2x2 woven composites and the tensile modulus of the UD material were insensitive to increasing strain rates. Finally, comparison of failure modes provided insights on how loading rates influenced failure mechanisms.

Research Organization:
Ford Motor Company, Detroit, MI (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Vehicle Technologies Office (EE-3V)
Grant/Contract Number:
EE0006867
OSTI ID:
1504726
Alternate ID(s):
OSTI ID: 1431022
Journal Information:
SAE International Journal of Materials and Manufacturing (Online), Vol. 10, Issue 2; ISSN 1946-3987
Publisher:
SAE InternationalCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
42 ENGINEERING
carbon fiber composites
DIC
high strain rate
unidirectional
weave
tensile testing
elastic modulus