Failure Initiation in Translaminar Reinforced Composites

A translaminar-reinforced (TLR) composite is an otherwise two-dimensional laminate with through-thickness or Z-direction fibrous reinforcement across the lamina. Only small amounts (less than 5% volume) of TLR are necessary to substantially improve compression-after-impact response, increase fractur...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of composites technology & research 2000-01, Vol.22 (1), p.23-32
Main Authors: Dickinson, LC, Farley, GL, Hinders, MK
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied sciences
Exact sciences and technology
Forms of application and semi-finished materials
Laminates
Polymer industry, paints, wood
Technology of polymers
Citations: Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:A translaminar-reinforced (TLR) composite is an otherwise two-dimensional laminate with through-thickness or Z-direction fibrous reinforcement across the lamina. Only small amounts (less than 5% volume) of TLR are necessary to substantially improve compression-after-impact response, increase fracture toughness, and severely restrict the size and growth of delamination. These improvements have been documented repeatedly in the literature, and it is generally accepted that TLR restricts the size and growth of delamination. In this paper we report a detailed investigation of whether TLR delays the initiation of delamination via finite-element analysis and a strength-of-materials approach. The various parameters investigated include TLR material, diameter, spacing, volume fraction, and through-thickness angle. In addition, the unavoidable microstructural features of curved in-plane fibers and resin pockets were examined. Our conclusion is that TLR does not delay damage initiation, even though it has been shown experimentally to restrict damage progression.
ISSN:0884-6804
1945-7537
DOI:10.1520/CTR10621J