Hybrid specimens eliminating stress concentrations in tensile and compressive testing of unidirectional composites

Two novel approaches are proposed for elimination of stress concentrations in tensile and compressive testing of unidirectional carbon/epoxy composites. An interlayer hybrid specimen type is proposed for tensile testing. The presented finite element study indicated that the outer continuous glass/epoxy plies suppress the stress concentrations at the grips and protect the central carbon/epoxy plies from premature failure, eliminating the need for end-tabs. The test results confirmed the benefits of the hybrid specimens by generating consistent gauge-section failures in tension. The developed hybrid four point bending specimen type and strain evaluation method were verified and applied successfully to determine the compressive failure strain of three different grade carbon/epoxy composite prepregs. Stable failure and fragmentation of the high and ultra-high modulus unidirectional carbon/epoxy plies were reported. The high strength carbon/epoxy plies exhibited catastrophic failure at a significantly higher compressive strain than normally observed.     

In-plane Compressive Behaviors of 3-D Textile Composites at Various Strain Rates

The in-plane compressive behaviors of 3-D textile composites, which including 3-D woven composite, multi-axial multi-layer warp knitted (MMWK) composite and 3-D braided composite, were studied at quasi-static and high strain rate compression loading. The compression behaviors at high strain rates (600∼2,500/s) were tested with split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB). The quasi-static compressive tests were conducted on a MTS 810.23 tester and compared with the results at high strain rates. The comparisons indicate that the compression stiffness, failure stress and failure strain for the three kinds of 3-D textile composites are sensitive to strain rate. The MMWK composite has higher failure stress than the 3-D woven composite and 3-D braided composite at the same strain rate; however, the failure strain of the 3-D braided composites is higher than that of the 3-D woven composite and 3-D knitted composite at quasi-static compression because of the quasi-isotropic structure feature in the 3-D braided composite. The compressive failure modes of the 3-D woven composite, MMWK composite and 3-D braided composite are totally different because of the different preform structure.     

Interfiber/interlaminar failure of composites under multi-axial states of stress

Unidirectional and textile carbon/epoxy composites were characterized under multi-axial states of stress. In-plane and through-thickness tensile, compressive, and shear tests were conducted at various orientations with the principal material axes. The stress–strain behavior, failure modes, and strengths were recorded. Results were compared with three types of failure criteria in three dimensions, limit criteria (maximum stress), fully interactive criteria (Tsai-Hill, Tsai-Wu), and failure mode based and partially interactive criteria (Hashin–Rotem, Sun, NU). The latter, a new interfiber/interlaminar failure theory developed by the authors, was found to be in excellent agreement with experimental results, especially in cases involving interfiber/interlaminar shear and compression. Of special note was the failure mode in transverse compression, where the failure plane was not predictable by conventional composite failure theories. The orientation of the failure plane was more in line with predictions by a Mohr–Coulomb failure model.     

Quasi-static and high strain rate response of aluminum matrix syntactic foams under compression

Aluminum alloy matrix syntactic foams were produced by inert gas pressure infiltration. Four different alloys and ceramic hollow spheres were applied as matrix and filler material, respectively. The effects of the chemical composition of the matrix and the different heat-treatments are reported at different strain-rates and in compressive loadings. The higher strain rates were performed in a Split-Hopkinson pressure bar system. The results show that, the characteristic properties of the materials strongly depends on the chemical composition of the matrix and its heat-treatment condition. The compressive strength of the investigated foams showed a limited sensitivity to the strain rate, its effect was more pronounced in the case of the structural stiffness and fracture strain. The failure modes of the foams have explicit differences showing barreling and shearing in the case of quasi-static and high strain rate compression respectively.     

Stress-strain behavior of multi-walled carbon nanotube/PEEK composites

This study examined the effects of multi-walled carbon nanotube (CNT) dispersion on stress-strain behaviors of poly-ether-ether-ketone (PEEK) at room temperature. Tensile test specimens containing 9 wt.% and 15 wt.% of CNT were fabricated using injection molding. Results of focused ion beam (FIB) observations show that many CNTs in the CNT/PEEK composite are aligned longitudinally. Although the PEEK stress-strain behavior is almost linear up to 1.5% strain, the stress-strain curves of CNT/PEEK composites exhibit considerable nonlinear and hysteretic behaviors from extremely low strain (<0.1%) under both tensile and compressive loading. The experimental results suggest that the viscoelastic deformation effects on nonlinear and hysteresis behaviors are not strong below 1.5% strain. Presumably, the slippage at the CNT-PEEK interface occurs with increasing applied stress because of poor interfacial load-transfer capability.     

Energy absorption capability of carbon nanotubes dispersed in resins under compressive high strain rate loading

The focus of the present study is on energy absorption capability (E_A) of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) dispersed in thermoset epoxy resin under compressive high strain rate loading. Toward this objective, high strain rate compressive behavior of multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) dispersed epoxy is investigated using a split Hopkinson pressure bar. The amount of MWCNT dispersion is varied up to 3% by weight. Calculation methodology for the evaluation of E_A of individual CNTs and CNTs dispersed in resins/composites is presented. Quantitative data on E_A of individual CNTs and CNTs dispersed in resins under quasi-static and high strain rate loading is given.     

Vibration damping characteristics of carbon fiber-reinforced composites containing multi-walled carbon nanotubes

Vibration damping characteristic of nanocomposites and carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites (CFRPs) containing multiwall carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been studied using the free and forced vibration tests. Several vibration parameters are varied to characterize the damping behavior in different amplitudes, natural frequencies and vibration modes. The damping ratio of the hybrid composites is enhanced with the addition of CNTs, which is attributed to sliding at the CNT-matrix interfaces. The damping ratio is dependent on the amplitude as a result of the random orientation of CNTs in the epoxy matrix. The natural frequency shows negligible influence on the damping properties. The forced vibration test indicates that the damping ratios of the CFRP composites increase with increasing CNT content in both the 1st and 2nd vibration modes. The CNT-epoxy nanocomposites also show similar increasing trends of damping ratio with CNT content, indicating the enhanced damping property of CFRPs arising mainly from the improved damping property of the modified matrix. The dynamic mechanical analysis further confirms that the CNTs have a strong influence on the composites damping properties. Both the dynamic loss modulus and loss factor of the nanocomposites and the corresponding CFRPs show consistent increases with the addition of CNTs, an indication of enhanced damping performance.     

Dynamic micromechanical modeling of textile composite strength under impact and multi-axial loading

Micromechanical finite element modeling has been employed to define the failure behavior of S2 glass/BMI textile composite materials under impact loading. Dynamic explicit analysis of a representative volume element (RVE) has been performed to explore dynamic behavior and failure modes including strain rate effects, damage localization, and impedance mismatch effects. For accurate reflection of strain rate effects, differences between an applied nominal strain rate across a representative volume element (RVE) and the true realized local strain rates in regions of failure are investigated. To this end, contour plots of strain rate, as well as classical stress contours, are developed during progressive failure. Using a previously developed cohesive element failure model, interfacial failure between tow and matrix phases is considered, as well as classical failure modes such as fiber breakage and matrix microcracking. In-plane compressive and tensile loading have been investigated, including multi-axial loading cases. Highly refined meshes have been employed to ensure convergence and accuracy in such load cases which exhibit large stress gradients across the textile RVE. The effect of strain rate and phase interfacial strength have been included to develop macro-level material failure envelopes for a 2D plain weave and 3D orthogonal microgeometry.     

Dynamic properties of pultruded natural fibre reinforced composites using Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar technique

The paper presents results on dynamic mechanical properties of jute, and kenaf fibre reinforced composites at various strain rates using compression Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar technique. The stress–strain curves for both pultruded natural fibre reinforced composites at strain rates of nearly 1400 s⁻¹ are illustrated and then compared with statically determines stress–strain curve (1.0 × 10⁻³ s⁻¹). Results show that the strain rate does affect the value of dynamic compressive properties of both pultruded natural fibre composites. Higher dynamic compression modulus and 2.5% flow stress were recorded for higher strain rates as compared to lower strain rate over the range of strain rates investigated. Under dynamic loading, jute fibre reinforced composites recorded the highest value of dynamic response in terms of compression modulus, 2.5% flow stress and compressive strength than that of kenaf fibre reinforced composites. In addition, kenaf fibre reinforced composites is more severely damaged as compared to jute fibre reinforced composites for all tested strain rate.     

Damage analysis of pseudo-ductile thin-ply UD hybrid composites – A new analytical method

A new simple analytical approach for predicting all possible damage modes of Uni-Directional (UD) hybrid composites and their stress–strain response in tensile loading is proposed. To do so, the required stress level for the damage modes (fragmentation, delamination and final failure) are assessed separately. The damage process of the UD hybrid can then be predicted based on the order of the required stress for each damage mode. Using the developed analytical method, a new series of standard-thickness glass/thin-ply carbon hybrid composites was tested and a very good pseudo-ductile tensile response with 1.0% pseudo-ductile strain and no load drop until final failure was achieved. The yield stress value for the best tested layup was more than 1130 MPa. The proposed analytical method is simple, very fast to run and it gives accurate results that can be used for designing thin-ply UD hybrid laminates with the desired tensile response and for conducting further parametric studies.     

Investigation of damage mechanism of flax fibre LPET commingled composites by acoustic emission

Tensile failure and fracture behaviour of parallel laid twisted flax fibre reinforced low melting polyethylene terephthalate (LPET) composites were investigated. The tensile failure results of the model specimens were compared with AE results in terms of amplitude, energy and counts. The failure results of the flax fibre LPET composites exhibited mainly matrix crack initiation as a brittle failure for low, medium and high fibre contents. Since the composites at high fibre contents have higher porosity content, they show higher strain to failure, higher variation in the tensile results and have different appearances on their fracture surfaces than those of the composites at low and medium fibre contents.     

High strain rate behavior of 4-step 3D braided composites under compressive failure

The out-of-plane and in-plane compressive failure behavior of 4-step 3D braided composite materials was investigated at quasi-static and high strain rates. The out-of-plane and in-plane direction compressive tests at high strain rates from 800/s to 3,500/s were tested with the split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) technique. The quasi-static compressive tests were conducted on a MTS 810.23 tester and compared with those at high strain rates. The comparisons indicate that the failure stress, failure strain and compressive stiffness both for out-of-plane and in-plane loading directions are rate sensitive. For example, the failure stress, failure strain and stiffness are 55.19 MPa, 6.70% and 1.35 GPa respectively as opposed to 145.00 MPa, 1.21% and 13.50 GPa respectively for strain rate of 2,500 s⁻¹ under in-plane compression. The 3D braided composites have higher values of failure stress and strain for out-of-plane than for in-plane compression at the same strain rate; however, the in-plane compression stiffness is higher than that of out-of-plane compression at high strain rates. The compressive failure mode of 3D braided composites in the out-of-plane direction is mainly shear failure at various strain rates, while for the in-plane direction it is mainly cracking of matrix.     

Behavior in compression of concrete cylinders externally wrapped with basalt fibers

This paper gives additional information on the use of new class of composites constituted by Basalt Fiber Reinforced Polymer (BFRP) bonded with epoxy resin to concrete specimens as an alternative confinement material for compressed concrete members with respect to carbon or glass fibers. From the experimental point of view, concrete cylinders are wrapped with continuous fibers, in the form of sheets, applying both full and partial discrete wrapping with BFRP straps, and then tested in compression. For comparison, few other concrete cylinders are wrapped with Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) sheets and tested in compression. The number and type of plies (full or partial wrapping), the type of loading (monotonic and cyclic actions) and the type of fiber (basalt and carbon) are the main variables investigated. The experimental results obtained from the compressive tests in terms of both stress–strain curves and failure modes show the possibility of reducing the brittleness of unconfined concrete, resulting significantly increased both the post-peak resistance and the axial strain of confined concrete corresponding to BFRP failure. Form the analytical standpoint, a review of the available models given in the literature is made and verified against the experimental data. Finally, a proposal for analytical expressions aimed at the calculation of the compressive strength and corresponding strain of confined concrete is provided also including the strain at BFRP failure.     

An Investigation of the Mechanical Behaviors of [45/-45/0/90]ns Satin Weave Composite at Different Loading Rates

The objective of this article is to investigate the compressive behaviors of [45/-45/0/90]_ns satin weave E-7781 glass/Eepoxy composite laminate under different loading strain rates along the in-plane direction. The low strain rate tests were conducted with an INSTRON testing machine, and the high strain rate tests were conducted using a pulse shaper modified compression Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) apparatus. Failure strength and strain at peak stress were evaluated experimentally at different strain rates. The results showed that failure strength and strain at peak stress were rate sensitive. A few strain rate dependent constitutive models were referred to describe the dynamic mechanical behaviors of woven composites with various stacking sequence, and the constants in the equations could be confirmed from experiment data. Optical and microscopic graphs on the specimens were carefully examined to determine operative failure modes. Within the studied strain rate regimes, the failure mode was observed to change from splitting followed by fiber kink banding to predominantly delamination and shear fracture as the strain rate increases from quasi-static to high strain rates.     

Strain-sensitive Raman spectroscopy and electrical resistance of carbon nanotube-coated glass fibre sensors

This paper presents the development of glass fibres coated with nanocomposites consisting of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and epoxy. Single glass fibres with different CNT content coating are embedded in a polymer matrix as a strain sensor for composite structures. Raman spectroscopy and electrical response of glass fibres under mechanical load are coupled for in situ sensing of deformation in composites. The results show that the fibres with nanocomposite coating exhibit efficient stress transfer across the fibre/matrix interface, and these with a higher CNT content are more prone to fibre fragmentation at the same matrix strain. A relationship between the fibre stress and the change in electrical resistance against the fibre strain is established. The major finding of this study has a practical implication in that the fibres with nanocomposite coating can serve as a sensor to monitor the deformation and damage process in composites.     

Compressive properties of nanoparticle modified epoxy resin at different strain rates

Epoxy resins often exhibit high strength yet are often brittle, especially at high strain rates. Block copolymer modified epoxy resins have generated significant interest since it was demonstrated that the combination could lead to nanostructured thermosets through the self-assembly of the block copolymer. Such nanostructured epoxies exhibit increased ductility without the significant loss in yield strength exhibited by traditional rubber-modified epoxies. In this study, the effect of different nanoscale additives on the compressive yield strength of a model epoxy resin has been studied. In the first case, a block copolymer styrene-b-butadiene-b-polymethylmethacrylate (SBM) was added to the model epoxy resin. In the second case, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were added. In the final case, both additives were mixed simultaneously with the epoxy resin. The compressive mechanical behavior of these materials has been investigated over a wide range of strain rates (0.001–3500 s⁻¹). The yield behavior was found to fit the cooperative yield model proposed by Fotheringham and Cherry.     

Effect of strain rate and ball milling of reinforcement on the compressive response of magnesium composites

Effect of strain rate change and reinforcement ball milling on the compressive response of Mg composites is investigated in this work. Quasi-static response was determined using a servo hydraulic MTS machine while dynamic response was assessed by Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar. The presence of either as-received or ball milled Al particles significantly assisted in improving compressive response of Mg in both regimes, compared to monolithic Mg. In the quasi-static regime, the Mg/1.626Al composite containing ball milled Al particles exhibits significantly higher compressive yield strength, ultimate compressive strength and work of fracture of (+76, +87% and +58%) compared to monolithic Mg. However, with a fixed amount of Al, composites containing ball milled particles show a higher strength compared to composites containing as-received particles. Results also revealed that the tremendous increase in strain rate led to an increase in flow stress of all synthesized material while the failure strain was marginally compromised.     

Fabrication and effective thermal conductivity of multi-walled carbon nanotubes reinforced Cu matrix composites for heat sink applications

A novel particles-compositing method was used for the first time to disperse different contents of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in micron sized copper powders, which were subsequently consolidated into CNT/Cu composites by spark plasma sintering (SPS). Microstructural observations showed that the homogeneous distribution of CNTs and dense composites could be obtained for 0–10 vol.% CNT contents. The CNT clusters were appeared in the powder mixture with 15 vol.% CNTs, which resulted in an insufficient densification of the composites. The effective thermal conductivity of the composites was analyzed both theoretically and experimentally. The addition of CNTs showed no enhancement in overall thermal conductivity of the composites due to the interface thermal resistance associated with the low phase contrast of CNT to copper and the random tube orientation. Besides, the composite containing 15 vol.% CNTs led to a rather low thermal conductivity due possiblely to the combined effect of unfavorable factors induced by the presence of CNT clusters, i.e. large porosity, lower effective conductivity of CNT clusters themselves and reduction of SPS cleaning effect. The CNT/Cu composites may be a promising thermal management material for heat sink applications.     

Progressive damage modeling for large deformation loading of composite structures

A nonlinear constitutive model for large deformation loading at different strain rate condition was developed to represent tensile progressive damage of the nonlinear large deformation rate dependent behavior of polymer-based composite materials. The material was characterized by using off-axis composite specimens at different strain rates. A new failure criterion was proposed for the analysis of different loading directions and strain rates. Based on a method of combining the nonlinear constitutive theory and the proposed failure criterion for different strain rates, the progressive damage behavior of large deformation composites was represented. The strength of the material was also successfully represented with a single material constant.     

Pseudo-ductility in intermingled carbon/glass hybrid composites with highly aligned discontinuous fibres

The aim of this research is to manufacture intermingled hybrid composites using aligned discontinuous fibres to achieve pseudo-ductility. Hybrid composites, made with different types of fibres that provide a balanced suite of modulus, strength and ductility, allow avoiding catastrophic failure that is a key limitation of composites. Two different material combinations of high strength carbon/E-glass and high modulus carbon/E-glass were selected. Several highly aligned and well dispersed short fibre hybrid composites with different carbon/glass ratios were manufactured and tested in tension in order to investigate the carbon ratio effect on the stress–strain curve. Good pseudo-ductile responses were obtained from the high modulus carbon/E-glass composites due to the fragmentation of the carbon fibres. The experimental results were also compared with an analytical solution. The intermingled hybrid composite with 0.25 relative carbon ratio gave the maximum pseudo-ductile strain, 1.1%, with a 110 GPa tensile modulus. Moreover, the initial modulus of the intermingled hybrids with 0.4 relative carbon ratio is 134 GPa, 3.5 times higher than that of E-glass/epoxy composites. The stress–strain curve shows a clear “yield point” at 441 MPa and a well dispersed and gradual damage process.