Investigation on the mechanical genes of “rigidity-flexibility balance” composite materials similar to feather shaft by SR-CT in-situ experiments

Abstract

Feather shaft is a fiber reinforced lightweight bio-composite materials with good strength and toughness. It provides possibility for the design of carbon fiber composite that combine rigidity and flexibility, and the key to achieve this is to study the corresponding mechanical gene. Here, inspired by the ring array fiber in the feather shaft, a carbon fiber composite was designed. Through experimental investigation, the “ring array” induced shear strain shielding, progressive damage caused by shear strain reversal and “rigidity-flexibility balance” caused by progressive damage was revealed, which will help establish an approach from structure to mechanical properties through strain and damage.