Compression and recovery behavior of three-dimensional woven spacer composites

Three-dimensional woven spacer composites have great potential for use in different parts of automobiles and construction application due to their better mechanical performance. In literature, time-dependent compression and recovery behavior of three-dimensional woven spacer composites was not studied. In this study, three-dimensional woven spacer composites (three thickness levels) were evaluated under static and dynamic (time-dependent) compression and recovery. The static compressive strength of composites was reduced with the increase in sample thickness. Also, the highest amount of energy was absorbed during the fracture of 4 mm (Comp4) thick composite, followed by 10 mm (Comp10) and 20 mm (Comp20) thick composites. Compressibility (%) and resiliency (%) was highest in Comp4 but recovery (%) was a bit lower as compared to the Comp10 and Comp20, while recovery (%) was highest in 10 mm thick composite as compared to the 4 mm and 20 mm thick samples. Moreover, higher value of permanent deformation in thickness with time was observed in Comp20 showing higher creep followed by Comp4 and Comp10. Furthermore, Comp4 showed the highest values of work done during cyclic compression loading-unloading testing, presenting highest toughness.

Automated summary

Three-dimensional woven spacer composites have great potential for use in automobiles and construction due to their superior mechanical performance. This study evaluated the time-dependent compression and recovery behavior of three-dimensional woven spacer composites. The results showed that the static compressive strength decreased with increased sample thickness, and the 4 mm thick composite exhibited the highest energy absorption during fracture. Additionally, the 10 mm thick composite showed the highest recovery, while the 20 mm thick composite exhibited higher creep with time.