Porosity Defect Morphology Effects in Carbon Fiber - Epoxy Composites

This study examines the morphology of porosity defects and the effects on the flexural stiffness of prepreg produced carbon fiber/epoxy matrix composites. In this study, an analytical and experimental effort is presented for assessing the effects of porosity on the flexural rigidity. The analytical approach for predicting the flexural rigidity is based on a transformed cross-section of the original laminate. Specimens of carbon/epoxy multi-layered specimens are manufactured with void contents in the range of 1 to 25% for calibration and validation of the proposed data. Significant improvements in flexural rigidity are correlated with higher porosity and thickness measurements.