Damage mechanisms of 3-D rectangular braided composite under multiple impact compressions

This paper reports the damage mechanisms of 3-D carbon fiber/epoxy braided composite under multiple impact compressions along out-plane direction. The multiple compression tests were conducted on a split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) apparatus. The compressive deformations and damages were photographed with high speed camera and compared with those from finite element analyses (FEA). We found that the initial compressive damages are fiber/resin interface damage and resin fragmentation. Then the braided preform was in a severe shear damage which accompanied with further damages of interface and resin under the followed impact compressions. The energy absorptions by the reinforcement and epoxy resin at the multiple impacts were decomposed. The braided composite has the highest energy absorption capability at the first impact. The yarn orientation in braided preform leads to non-uniform stress and strain distribution. This non-uniformity easily induced the local damage and furthermore the catastrophic failure under the multiple compressions. (C) 2018 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.