Multiscale damage in co-cured composites - Perspectives from experiments and modelling

Research output: Chapter in Book/Conference proceedings/Edited volumeConference contributionScientificpeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)
72 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Bonded and co-cured composites are popular alternatives to structures joined with mechanical fasteners in aircraft but the complex and coupled damage mechanisms in the co-cured/bonded region are poorly understood, thus making the evaluation of their strength and durability difficult with current modelling strategies. This study explores the potential of interleaf inclusion in failure-prone, critical regions of co-cured composite specimens in improving the joint strength and interface fracture toughness and strives to advance the understanding of damage initiation in the co-cured region using an atomistic model. A two-pronged approach is pursued here with bench-scale experimental testing and molecular modelling in this study. Experiments are performed for mode I fracture toughness with double cantilever beam (DCB) on composite laminates with an epoxy interleaf layer. Two epoxy resins and three methods for interleaf inclusion are explored in this study; we supplement the results from DCB testing with insights from confocal microscopy on the crack tip and the interleaf layer pre- and post-testing. Molecular dynamic (MD) simulations capture the cohesive interactions at the threephase interface containing the carbon fiber, the prepreg epoxy, and the interleaf epoxy. Results highlight that an interleaf layer made from partially-cured and filmed epoxy, further consolidated in the composite lay-up is the most effective way to suppress void formation, improve dispersion, and maximize cohesive interactions at the interface of co-cured composites.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication36th Technical Conference of the American Society for Composites 2021
Subtitle of host publicationComposites Ingenuity Taking on Challenges in Environment-Energy-Economy, ASC 2021
EditorsOzden Ochoa
Pages1479-1492
Number of pages14
ISBN (Electronic)9781713837596
Publication statusPublished - 2021
EventASC 36TH Annual Technical VIRTUAL Conference: Composites Ingenuity Taking on Challenges in Environment-Energy-Economy - Virtual/online event
Duration: 19 Sept 202123 Sept 2021
Conference number: 36
https://na.eventscloud.com/website/17366/home/

Publication series

Name36th Technical Conference of the American Society for Composites 2021: Composites Ingenuity Taking on Challenges in Environment-Energy-Economy, ASC 2021
Volume3

Conference

ConferenceASC 36TH Annual Technical VIRTUAL Conference
Period19/09/2123/09/21
Internet address

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Multiscale damage in co-cured composites - Perspectives from experiments and modelling'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this