Controlled energy dissipation in fibrous composites I. Controlled delamination

Abstract

AbstractDelamination mechanisms in continuous fiber reinforced composites were investigated. The concept of controlled interlaminar bonding (CIB) is proposed as a guideline for preparing fiber‐epoxy composite laminates with enhanced fracture toughness without significant degradation in strength properties. The interlaminar bonding was manipulated by several specialized techniques including insertion of delamination promotors and surface modification of laminae. Results indicated that the plane‐strain fracture toughness of E‐glass‐epoxy laminates could be improved by inserting perforated interlaminar films of aluminum, paper, polyester and polyimide, and fabrics. Such interlayers were used to promote delamination which dissipate strain energy by blunting and diverting a propagating crack. The fracture resistance of a laminate was found to be dependent on the degree of delamination. The competition between the growth of delamination cracks and the propagation of a main crack is controlled by the relative magnitude of the interlaminar bonding strength and the lamina cohesive strength. The interlaminar bonding is controlled by the degree of interlayer perforation and the adhesion between interlayer and lamina. The loading direction was found to be very important in dictating the failure processes. Experimental results from several composite systems are presented and discussed along with post‐failure analysis data.