Experimental study on the mechanical behavior of polyphenylene sulfide (PPS)-based composite laminates reinforced with carbon and glass fibers subjected to different strain rates under compression load is reported. Quasi-static tests have been carried out using an electromechanical universal testing machine at three different strain rates, while dynamic tests were done using a split-Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) apparatus at two pressure setups in the gas chamber. High-speed imaging system was used to monitor failure process during dynamic test, and these images were used to measure strain by digital image correlation (DIC) in order to compare the DIC-based measurements performed with the SPHPB strain gauges and quasi-static results. Fractography analysis was also performed to identify the main failure mechanisms induced at different strain rates.
Part of the book: Aerospace Engineering
Delamination propagation in laminated composite materials is a common issue that always concerns us when we consider composites for structural purpose. Many possible solutions have been studied; the most famous is the three-dimensional (3D) woven composites materials, which have promising interlaminar fracture resistance but at the cost of increasing density, which for aerospace industry is very important. In this chapter, mode 1 double cantilever beam (DCB) interlaminar fracture toughness tests according to the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) D5528 standard were performed on composite specimens made of E-Glass Saertex 830 g/m2 Biaxial (+/−45°) with Sypol 8086 CCP polyester resin with orthogonal z-axis oriented yarn woven of 0.22 mm diameter nylon monofilament. Four specimens were made with a longitudinal distance between the warp binders of 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 cm, respectively. A tensile test according to the ASTM D3039 standard was performed to study how z-binder may affect tensile resistance. The results show a considerable increase in interlaminar fracture toughness, several stress concentrators have been created because of the new yarn and premature failure in the matrix.
Part of the book: Next Generation Fiber-Reinforced Composites