0000000001046117

AUTHOR

X. J. Gong

Strain rate effect in the single-fiber-fragmentation test

The single fiber fragmentation test (SFFT) has been widely used to characterize the interface in fiber-reinforced polymers. The purpose of the work reported here was to determine the effect of strain rate on the fiber fragment lengths obtained in the SFFT. Three materials systems were used to make single-fiber-composite specimens: E-glass fiber/polycarbonate matrix, AS4-carbon fiber/polycarbonate matrix, and AU4-carbon fiber/polycarbonate matrix. The fiber-matrix adhesion in all three systems is based on physisorption rather than chemisorption. Each system was tested at strain rates ranging over four orders of magnitude. Results are reported in terms of fragment length, the dependent variab…

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Moisture Absorption Effects on the Resistance to Interlaminar Fracture of Woven Glass/Epoxy Composite Laminates

The influence of moisture absorption on the interlaminar fracture behaviour of 8/8 harness satin weave glass/epoxy composite was investigated. Two series of specimens with 0°/0° and 90°/90° predominant interfaces immersed in water for different duration were tested under double cantilever beam (DCB mode I), single leg bending (SLB mode I + II) and end notched flexural (ENF mode II) loadings. In general, the apparent flexural modulus: E, and the fracture toughness: G C, decrease with increasing moisture content. This effect is more remarkable if mode II participation is bigger. The value of G C measured on 90°/90° specimens reveals higher than that on 0°/0° ones, but the variation in G C is …

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Evolution Characteristics of Delamination Damage in CFRP Composites Under Transverse Loading

The initiation and subsequent progression of delamination in CFRP composite laminates is examined using finite element method. A 12-ply CFRP composite, with a total thickness of 2.4 mm and anti-symmetric ply sequence is simulated under three-point bend test setup. Each unidirectional composite lamina is treated as an equivalent elastic and orthotropic panel. Interface behavior is defined using cohesive damage model. Complementary three-point bend test on the specimen is performed at crosshead speed of 2 mm/min. The measured load–deflection response at mid-span location compares well with predicted values. Interface delamination accounts for up to 46.7% reduction in flexural stiffness from t…

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