Diametral compression of pultruded composite rods

Diametral compression tests were performed on pultruded composite rods comprised of unidirectional glass or carbon fibers in a common matrix. During compression tests, acoustic emission (AE) activity was recorded and images were acquired from the sample for analysis by digital image correlation (DIC). In both composite systems, localized tensile strain developed in the transverse plane under the load platens prior to failure, producing non-linearity in the load–displacement curve and AE signals. In situ SEM diametral compression tests revealed the development of matrix microcracking and debonding in regions of localized strain, perpendicular to the tensile strain direction (parallel to the load axis). Comparison of linear finite element simulations and experimental results showed a deviation from linear elastic behavior in the load displacement curve. The apparent transverse modulus, in plane shear modulus, and transverse tensile strength of the GF rod was greater than that of the CF rod, and fracture surfaces indicated greater fiber/matrix adhesion in the GF system compared to the CF system. A mixed mode fracture surface showed that two failure modes were active – matrix tensile failure and matrix compression failure by shear near the loading edge.