Experimental characterisation of the strain rate dependent failure and damage behaviour of 3D composites

Abstract
Two through-thickness angle-interlock (TTAIL) 3D weaves especially designed to minimise crimp and with different binder volume fraction (3% and 6%), but otherwise identical architecture, have been characterised at quasi-static and dynamic loading. The aim of this work was to assess the suitability of different experimental techniques to investigate the effect of through thickness reinforcement on failure and damage behaviour of thin 3D reinforced composite plates, providing data that ultimately can be used to validate a numerical modelling strategy. It was found that there was little difference between the materials in terms of in-plane properties; however, the impact resistance of the 6% material was significantly increased. Furthermore, a noticeable difference between the interlaminar shear behaviour in warp and weft direction was observed. Therefore, it can be concluded that for a given weave architecture, a higher binder tow size (in this case 6%) can be used without compromising the in-plane response.