Reviews on Advanced Materials Science (May 2021)

Effect of fiber breakage position on the mechanical performance of unidirectional carbon fiber/epoxy composites

  • Ma Yan,
  • Wu Leilei,
  • Yu Lichao,
  • Elbadry Elsayed A.,
  • Yang Weiwei,
  • Huang Xiaomei,
  • Yan Xuefeng,
  • Cao Haijian

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1515/rams-2021-0029
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 60, no. 1
pp. 352 – 364

Abstract

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Fiber breakage is one of the most negative factors that affect the mechanical performance of unidirectional carbon-fiber (CF)-reinforced composites. In the present study, unidirectional CF-reinforced epoxy (CF/epoxy) laminates with and without fiber breakages located in different layers were manufactured from prepreg via hot compression. The static and cyclic flexural mechanical properties of the unidirectional CF/epoxy laminates were determined through static and low-cycle three-point bending tests. Flexural behavior was observed by using optical microscopy to discuss the failure behavior of the unidirectional CF/epoxy laminates. Results indicated that fiber breakages in different layers led to the static and cyclic mechanical degradation of the unidirectional CF/epoxy laminates. Moreover, fiber breakages in the tension side displayed higher flexural strength and better cyclic performance than those in the compression side.

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