Initial fracture behavior of satin woven fabric composites

Final fractures of composites is considered to be caused by cumulation of the microfractures, so that, the initiation of microfracture, namely, initial fracture is important factor to know the mechanical properties. Microfracture behaviors in textile composites were regarded to be decided by the geometry of textile fabric quantitatively. In this study, initial fracture in plain and satin woven fabric composites was investigated and the effect of weaving structure on initial fracture behavior was clarified. First, in order to investigate the geometry of textile fabric, crimp ratio and aspect ratio were measured. Tensile testing was performed and knee point on the stress-strain curve was identified. Fracture process of composites was observed by replica method. Initial fracture in plain woven fabric composite was confirmed as transverse crack in weft fiber bundle, on the other hand, in satin woven fabric composites both transverse crack and filament fracture at the same time was observed. The effects of changes in crimp ratio and aspect ratio on the initial fracture of woven fabric composites were discussed. (C) 2003 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.