Impact and post impact behavior of layer fabric composites

In this study, the effect of impact and post impact behavior of E-glass/epoxy composite plates having different layer fabrics were investigated by considering energy profile diagram and the related load–deflection curves. Different impact energies (5 J–60 J)were subjected to the plates consisting of eight layers of plain weave (1D), double (2D) and triple (3D) layer fabrics. The impact tests were continued until complete perforation of layer fabrics. The damage modes and damage processes of layer fabrics under varied impact energies were also discussed. At the end of the impact tests, the damaged samples were mounted into a compression apparatus to determine the Compression After Impact (CAI) strength of layer fabric samples. The results of these impact and post impact tests showed that contact force occurring between the impactor and the composite specimen increased and the CAI strength reduced by increasing the impact energy. The objective of this study was to determine the perforation threshold of E-glass/epoxy composite plates having different layer fabrics as plain weave (1D), double (2D), and triple (3D) layer fabrics.     

不同层数的超高分子量聚乙烯纬平针织复合材料冲击损伤

研究了不同层数超高分子量聚乙烯(UHMWPE)纤维/环氧树脂纬平针织复合材料的冲击性能,并讨论了其冲击损伤模式。复合材料板分别为4、6、8层纬平针织结构,采用真空辅助树脂传递模塑(VARTM)工艺层合而成,以不同的冲击能量(10~55J)冲击复合材料板直至层合板被穿透,得到冲击能量与吸收能量关系图以及接触力-挠度曲线。分析了不同冲击能量下,复合材料中织物的损伤形式和破坏过程。研究结果表明:在3种针织结构复合材料中,8层纬平针织结构承受载荷的能力最强,6层纬平针织结构次之,4层纬平针织结构最差;随着冲击能量的增加,3种试样的冲击挠度均增大;基体开裂、纤维断裂是试样被渗透时有效的损伤模式,基体和纤维断裂是试样被穿孔时有效的损伤模式。     

Hybrid composites based on aramid and basalt woven fabrics: Impact damage modes and residual flexural properties

The low-velocity impact behaviour of hybrid laminates reinforced with woven aramid and basalt fabrics and manufactured by resin transfer moulding was studied. Specimens with different stacking sequences were tested at three different energies, namely 5, 12.5 and 25 J. Residual post-impact properties of the different configurations of aramid/basalt hybrid laminates were characterized by quasi static four point bending tests. Post-impact flexural tests have been monitored using acoustic emission in order to get further information on failure mechanisms. Results indicate that hybrid laminates with intercalated configuration (alternating sequence of basalt and aramid fabrics) have better impact energy absorption capability and enhanced damage tolerance with respect to the all-aramid laminates, while basalt and hybrid laminates with sandwich-like configuration (seven basalt fabric layers at the centre of the laminate as core and three aramid fabric layers for each side of the composite as skins) present the most favourable flexural behaviour.     

Impact and post-impact properties of a carbon fibre non-crimp fabric and a twill weave composite

The impact and post-impact static and fatigue tensile properties of a carbon fibre/epoxy NCF composite were determined and compared to those of a carbon fibre/epoxy woven fabric composite, for two impact energies (3.5 and 7 J). The projected damage area after impact was larger for the NCF composite than that for the woven fabric composite for both impact energies. Impacted samples were subjected to static tensile tests and tensile–tensile fatigue tests. It was found that even a relatively low energy impact has already a significant negative influence on the residual properties in both static and fatigue tests, in the fibre direction as well as in the matrix dominated direction. In the matrix dominated directions the post-impact behaviour of the two materials is very similar. In the fibre direction, however, the properties of the non-crimp fabric composite are degraded more by an impact than those of the woven fabric composite.     

Post-Impact Mechanical Characterisation of Glass and Basalt Woven Fabric Laminates

Two woven fabric laminates, one based on basalt fibres, the other on E-glass fibres, as a reinforcement for vinylester matrix, were compared in terms of their post-impact performance. With this aim, first the non-impacted specimens were subjected to interlaminar shear stress and flexural tests, then flexural tests were repeated on laminates impacted using a falling weight tower at three impact energies (7.5, 15 and 22.5J). Tests were monitored using acoustic emission analysis of signal distribution with load and with distance from the impact point. The results show that the materials have a similar damage tolerance to impact and also their post-impact residual properties after impact do not differ much, with a slight superiority for basalt fibre reinforced laminates. The principal difference is represented by the presence of a more extended delamination area on E-glass fibre reinforced laminates than on basalt fibre reinforced ones.     

Transverse impact damage and energy absorption of 3-D multi-structured knitted composite

Knitted composites have higher failure deformation and energy absorption capacity under impact than other textile structural composites because of the yarn loop structures in knitted performs. Here we report the transverse impact behavior of a new kind of 3-D multi-structured knitted composite both in experimental and finite element simulation. The knitted composite is composed of two knitted fabrics: biaxial warp knitted fabric and interlock knitted fabric. The transverse impact behaviors of the 3-D knitted composite were tested with a modified split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) apparatus. The load–displacement curves and damage morphologies were obtained to analyze the energy absorptions and impact damage mechanisms of the composite under different impact velocities. A unit-cell model based on the microstructure of the 3-D knitted composite was established to determine the composite deformation and damage when the composite impacted by a hemisphere-ended steel rod. Incorporated with the unit-cell model, a elasto-plastic constitute equation of the 3-D knitted composite and the critical damage area (CDA) failure theory of composites have been implemented as a vectorized user defined material law (VUMAT) for ABAQUS/Explicit. The load–displacement curves, impact deformations and damages obtained from FEM are compared with those in experimental. The good agreements of the comparisons prove the validity of the unit-cell model and user-defined subroutine VUMAT. This manifests the applicability of the VUMAT to characterization and design of the 3-D multi-structured knitted composite structures under other impulsive loading conditions.     

Effect of basalt fiber hybridization on the impact behavior under low impact velocity of glass/basalt woven fabric/epoxy resin composites

The low velocity impact behavior of E-glass/basalt reinforced hybrid laminates, manufactured by resin transfer moulding technique, was investigated. Specimens prepared with different stacking sequences were tested at three different impact energies, namely 5 J, 12.5 J and 25 J. Residual post-impact mechanical properties of the different configurations were characterized by quasi static four point bending tests. Post-impact flexural tests have been also monitored using acoustic emission in order to get further information on failure mechanisms. Results showed that basalt and hybrid laminates with an intercalated configuration exhibited higher impact energy absorption capacity than glass laminates, and enhanced damage tolerance capability. Conversely, the most favorable flexural behavior was shown by laminates with symmetrical sandwich-like configuration (E-glass fiber fabrics as core and basalt fiber fabrics as skins).     

Characterization of fracture modes in stitched and unstitched cross-ply laminates subjected to low-velocity impact and compression after impact loading

The insertion of transverse reinforcing threads by stitching is a very promising technique to restrict impact damage growth and to improve post-impact residual strength of laminates. In order to develop general models capable of addressing the issues of impact resistance and damage tolerance of stitched laminates, detailed understanding of the nature and extent of damage, identification of the dominant fracture modes and assessment of the effect of stitches on the damage development are essential. In this study, both instrumented drop-weight tests and compression-after-impact tests were carried out to examine and compare the damage responses of stitched and unstitched graphite/epoxy laminates subjected to low-velocity impact. The progression of damage and its effect on post-impact performance was investigated in detail in two classes of cross ply laminates ([0₃/90₃]_s and [0/90]_3s) by means of an extensive series of damage observations, conducted with various complementary techniques (X-radiography, ultrasonics, optical microscopy, deply). The results of the analyses carried out during the study to characterize the key fracture modes and to clarify their relationship with the structural performance of both stitched and unstitched laminates are reported and discussed in the paper.     

The compression-after-impact strength of woven and non-crimp fabric reinforced composites subjected to long-term water immersion ageing

The current work examines the durability of composites reinforced with glass fibre woven fabric as well as non-crimp fabrics (NCF) immersed in water at 43, 65 and 93 °C for up to 2.5 years. Low velocity normal impact has been induced at various time intervals before and after water immersion at energy levels of 2.5, 5 and 10 J. Following impact the plates were tested statically in compression to determine the residual strength for assessment of damage tolerance. The compression strength suffered significant reductions from the water absorption and the low velocity impact with values being dependent to the time of immersion and the water temperature. A parallel behaviour was monitored, in terms of strength reduction over time, of plates impacted prior to water immersion with the plates that contain no damage. For specimens where impact damage introduced after water immersion lower compression-after-impact (CAI) strength was observed at the same energy levels. An increase in damage diameter was evident, regardless the reinforcement type, though the gradually produced greater density of through thickness damage was responsible for the significant lower compression strength values. The presence of 0° fibres for the NCF composites as the main load bearing element dictated the sensitivity to impact as well as the corresponding residual strength. For composites with woven reinforcement, damage was contained and localized by the fabric weave and effective stress redistribution seemed to be the mechanism for the relatively higher residual strengths obtained. A semi-empirical model has been used with high accuracy in fitting the given experimental data and draw conclusions from the comparisons.     

不同针织结构经编碳纤维复合材料弯曲性能

通过对3种不同针织方式碳纤维经编织物结构的分析和弯曲性能测试, 研究了织物针织方式对NCFs复合材料力学性能的影响。采用链式缝编的 织物与经平缝编的 织物相比, 束缚效果更好, 经编线引起的纤维变形区的宽度较小, 因此 织物增强的复合材料中的富树脂区和空洞相对较少, 弯曲强度和模量均高于 复合材料。单向经编织物也采用经平缝编, 纤维取向与双轴向织物相比更准确, 由于缝编引起的纤维变形和损伤较少, 复合材料的弯曲性能高于两种双轴向经编材料。      

ON THE USE OF QUASI-STATIC TESTING TO ASSESS IMPACT DAMAGE RESISTANCE OF COMPOSITE SHELL STRUCTURES

The response of various composite structures to transverse loading was studied through im-pact and quasi-static testing. The AS4/3501-6 graphtie/epoxy composite structures considered have a [±4.5_n/0_n]_s, layup configuration and include convex and concave shell sections, plates, and full cylinders. The impact tests fall within the so-called large-mass, low-velocity regime, where previous findings for composite plates indicate that quasi-static tests represent the impact response accurately; i.e., impact and quasi-static tests can be considered equivalent. This equivalence includes damage if the same peak force is reached in both the impact and quasi-static tests. The present work extends the impact and quasi-static equivalence from composite plates to various composite (shell) structures, including shells with an instability. Over nearly the entire range of impact events and shell structures considered, impact and quasi-static responses (including damage extent and distribution) are found to be equivalent. A small number of the most flexible (large-span, thin) specimens displayed a large-amplitude oscillatory impact loading response that was not observed for the quasi-static tests. These few specimens indicate one regime where the equivalence is limited The general equivalence demonstrated here for a wide range of composite structures has important implications for testing and design of damage-tolerant aerospace components. The findings also suggest that quasi-static experimentation can often be used to simulate the impact response (particularly damage) of composite shell structures.     

Pulsed Eddy Current Data Analysis for the Characterization of the Second-Layer Discontinuities

Acoustic emission (AE) was applied for detection of microcrack initiation in carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites subjected to shear stresses. Experimental materials were prepared from polyester bonded unidirectional (1D) non-crimp fabric and 2D plain-weave carbon fiber fabrics, using the resin transfer moulding technology. Control of epoxy resin/carbon textile proportions enabled variation of fiber volume content from small (34/35% for 2D/1D), through medium (51%) to high (68%). Rectangular samples (\(45 \times 4 \times 2\)  mm) were cut from 1D plates along [0] and across [90] fibers. Similar size samples from 2D plates were cut along warp/weft axes as well as in two orthogonal bias directions. Selected side surfaces were polished for microscopic (SEM) observations. Short-beam-strength tests were performed in 3-point bending (l/h\(=\)4), with two AE sensors attached for damage monitoring, which allowed to interrupt loading sequence before final failure. The acoustic emission historic index was the most effective AE parameter in damage initiation control. Microcracks developing on polished composite side-surfaces were observed under the SEM and direct microscopic evidence confirmed fiber debonding to be the principal mechanism of crack initiation in these materials and testing conditions before any further damage.     

An experimental investigation on the repeated impact response of glass/epoxy composites subjected to thermal ageing

In this study, the effect of thermal ageing on low velocity impact response of E-glass/epoxy composites was investigated. Together with single impact case, repeated impact response of the composite samples was also investigated. Impact energies were chosen as 20 J, 40 J, 60 J, 80 J and 100 J for single impact tests while 20 J was chosen for repeated impact tests. The test coupons were cut out from composite panels with stacking sequence of [0/90]_4S and the dimensions of the specimens were 100 mm × 100 mm, with the nominal thickness of 4.2 mm. The conditioning humidity and temperature were chosen respectively as 70% and 95 °C, considering the glass-transition temperature (T_g) of the intact composites which was determined as 78 °C. The samples were exposed to ageing durations of 100, 400, 700, 1000 and 1300 h by using a climatic test cabin. Along with images of damaged samples, variations of the impact characteristics such as absorbed energy, maximum contact force, maximum deflection and contact duration for successive impacts until perforation of the samples are provided. As a result of the study it is found that in addition to the mechanical properties, damage resistance of the E-glass/epoxy composites is significantly affected by the thermal ageing.     

Influence of properties at micro- and meso-scopic levels on macroscopic level for weft knitted fabrics

Knitted fabrics and particularly weft knitted fabrics are used as composite material reinforcements due to their ability to be draped and to give three-dimensional shape by molding or by knitting. This paper presents the strong connection of all the scales of the knitted fabric (fiber, yarn and fabric) on the final knitted fabrics and its mechanical and physical properties. For this purpose, only one polymer material is used, made of two different fibers in terms of length and fineness. These fibers are used to make different yarns with two structures then three plain-weft-knitted-fabrics are considered in terms of the loop length. The fibers have not the same bending rigidity because fiber cross-section areas are different. This has an influence on the three-dimensional loop shape and on the roughness, thickness and real area of contact of fabrics. This phenomenon is the same with the two yarn structures. The results presented here bring into light that the loop length does not influence the fabric thickness.     

Computational modeling of the probabilistic impact response of flexible fabrics

The impact response of flexible woven fabrics is probabilistic in nature and described through a probabilistic velocity response curve or V₀–V₁₀₀ curve. Computational impact analyses based on deterministic methods are incapable of predicting the experimentally observed probabilistic fabric impact response. To overcome this limitation we have developed a probabilistic computational framework within a finite element analysis to predict the V₀–V₁₀₀ response. The finite element model is a yarn-based representation of the fabric architecture, with a principal stress based failure criterion implemented uniformly within each yarn, but varying for each yarn within the fabric. For each impact simulation, individual yarn strengths are mapped from experimentally obtained yarn strength distributions, resulting in fabric models with spatially non-uniform failure conditions. Impact simulations are run for the case of a spherical projectile of diameter 5.556 mm impacting a single layer of 50.8 × 50.8 mm, edge-clamped, unbacked, aramid fabric. Three different yarn strength models are implemented, representing spool yarns, and yarns extracted from greige and scoured woven fabrics. Decreases in yarn strength are found to correlate to decreases in the V₁, V₅₀, and V₉₉ velocities predicted by the simulations. The relationships between yarn strength distribution and probabilistic fabric impact response are discussed.     

Effect of temperature on low velocity impact damage and post-impact flexural strength of CFRP assessed using ultrasonic C-scan and micro-focus computed tomography

The effect of temperature on the low velocity impact resistance properties and on the post-impact flexural performance of CFRP laminates were studied. With this aim, 150 × 75 mm cross-ply carbon fibre/epoxy laminates with a [0/90/90/0]_2s layup, therefore with a total of sixteen layers, were impacted at ambient temperature (30 °C) and at elevated temperatures (55, 75 and 90 °C) at a velocity of 2 m/s using a drop weight impact tower. This was followed by flexural tests carried out at ambient temperature using a three-point bending rig. Damage assessment of impact and post-impact behaviour were carried out using ultrasonic C-scan and microfocus X-ray computed tomography (μCT). Interrupted flexural tests using μCT allowed delamination propagation to be observed. In general, lower projected damage was observed at elevated temperatures, which resulted also in a possible hindrance to delamination and shear cracks propagation during impact and in a greater amount of retained flexural strength after impact.     

Testing and modeling of yarn pull-out in plain woven Kevlar fabrics

Yarn pull-out behavior of five styles of plain woven Kevlar fabrics, K310, K706, K720, K745 and K779 from Hexcel, was studied. These fabrics were different in fabric count, yarn size, fiber type, thickness and weight. Single yarn pull-out tests showed that the pull-out forces of the five styles of fabrics differ substantially. The yarn pull-out force was found to have positive correlation to the impact performance: fabrics with higher pull-out force performed better in impact tests. A 2D finite element model was proposed to simulate the single yarn pull-out procedure and predict the maximum pull-out force. Several factors were considered in this model: fabric count, yarn size, yarn waviness, fiber modulus, fiber diameter, cross-yarn friction, parallel-fiber friction. The predicted peak pull-out forces showed good agreement with the experimental results. Finally a simple formula was proposed to estimate the yarn pull-out force as a function of fabric count, fiber diameter, fiber modulus, yarn waviness and friction.     

Reinforcement of cementitious matrices by warp knitted fabrics

The efficiency of knitted fabrics for reinforcing cementitious composites was studied. Weft insertion warp kiitting fabrics of controlled structure were especially produced for this work consisting of high modulus (Kevlar and Polyethylene) and low modulus (Polypropylene) polymers. The performance of the fabrics was studied by evaluating the flexural properties of the composites and the bond to the matrix. The performance of the knitted fabrics was compared to that of the straight yarns from which the knitted fabrics were made, as well as comparison with woven fabric reinforcement. It was concluded that: (i) in the knitted fabric reinforcement greater efficiency was achieved in fabrics consisting of high modulus polymer yarns, which are made of bundles consising of a smaller number of filaments, (ii) the reinforcing effect of the knitted fabric is smaller than that of the individual straight yarns, (iii) the reinforcing efficiency of woven fabric reinforcement is better than that of the knitted fabric, due to the crimped structure of the yarns in the woven fabric. In view of these conclusions, it might be stated that the use of weft insertion warp knitting fabric for cement reinforcement is advantageous in the sense that the fabric can provide the means by which a composite can be produced with continuous and aligned yarns. However, with this kind of fabric some of the reinforcing efficiency of the individual yarns is lost. In contrast, the use of woven fabric can provide all of the above, with the added advantage of enhanced reinforcing efficiency over the straight yarns, induced by their crimping in the woven fabric.     

Damage evolution behavior of CFRP laminates under post-impact fatigue with water absorption environment

In this study, the damage evolution behavior was evaluated considering the effect of the textile structure and water absorption. Damage observation was conducted by the integration of non-destructive and direct observation methods. Candidate textile reinforcements were T300-3k plain woven fabric (PW) and T700S-12k multi-axial knitted fabric (MA). The effect of water absorption on the performances of compression after impact (CAI) and PIF were small in PW CFRP laminates. Conversely, PIF properties of water-absorbed MA CFRP laminates drastically decreased than that of dry ones. CAI strength was not affected by water absorption. PIF performance of dry MA CFRP was fairly higher than that of the others. From the precise observation, some evidences of interfacial deterioration caused by water absorption were confirmed in both PW and MA CFRP laminates.     

Tensile properties of multilayer-connected biaxial weft knitted fabric reinforced composites for carbon fibers

Multilayered-connected biaxial weft knitted (MBWK) fabric reinforced composites have excellent tensile properties. Three kinds of different fabrics reinforced composites are used in this paper, which are three-layer-connected biaxial weft knitted fabric, four-layer-connected biaxial weft knitted fabric and five-layer-connected biaxial weft knitted fabric. The tensile properties of MBWK fabrics reinforced composites are studied with 0° and 90° directional testing with different carbon fiber volume fractions. The results show that the carbon fiber volume fraction has significant effect on tensile strength of MBWK fabrics reinforced composites. The linear correlation between tensile strength and carbon fiber volume fraction is very well in the certain range, and failure analyses are also available by means of sample debris examination to identify the failure modes and the fracture surfaces.