The fracture behavior of carbon/epoxy laminates containing part through-the-thickness fiber breakage
The objectives of this study were to determine the tensile-fracture behavior of laminates when part through-the-thickness fiber breakage is present, and to develop a procedure for predicting laminate tensile residual strength on a ply-by-ply basis. In the experimental phase, AS4/3501-6 laminate specimens containing internal fiber cuts were manufactured and tested. Residual tensile strengths were measured. Delamination that developed in the specimens during the tensile loading was detected through ultrasonic and microsectioning inspections. In the analytical phase, a three-dimensional finite-element analysis was conducted to model the specimens in order to calculate the stress and strain fields. Based on the finite-element results, the laminate residual strengths were then evaluated by examining the strain in the fiber direction in principal load-carrying plies. Results indicated that the tensile strength of the laminates tested was sensitive to damage in the form of interior fiber cuts and delaminations. The residual-strength-prediction procedure developed in this investigation was able to accurately estimate the strength loss due to these two types of damage.
- Research Organization:
- Utah Univ., Salt Lake City, UT (United States)
- OSTI ID:
- 5458289
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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