Assessment of damage sequence in additive manufactured composite laminates under quasi-static out-of-plane loading

Abstract

The understanding of the impact behaviour of additive manufactured continuous fibre reinforced polymers must start from the analysis of the damage mechanisms. In this investigation, the impact damage in a 3D-printed continuous carbon fibre reinforced polymer is studied by means of quasi-static indentation tests. The coupons are manufactured with Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) using a thermoplastic resin. Three indentation displacement levels were tested, analysing different phases of the impact using X-ray Computed Tomography. The effects of fibre orientation were considered, establishing a comparison between one laminate with conventional orientations (0, 90, ±45) and one with disperse orientations. Results show a progressive damage generation influenced by the inherent defects of the manufacturing process, characterized by delamination growth and stiffness reduction. Fibre and matrix breakage only appear at the final stages when the laminate peak load is reached. The considered dispersed laminate shows less delaminated interfaces compared to the conventional one.