Dynamic Tensile Properties of CFRP Manufactured by PCM and WCM: Effect of Strain Rate and Configurations

Carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) is a promising material to achieve lightweight automotive components. The effects of the strain rate and configurations of CFRP on dynamic tensile properties have not yet been fully explored; thus, its lightweight benefits cannot be maximized. In this paper, the dynamic tensile properties of CFRPs, tested using two different processes with two different resins and four different configurations, were studied with a strain rate from 0.001 to 500 s(-1). The tensile strength, modulus, failure strain, and fracture mechanism were analyzed. It was found that the dynamic performance enhances the strength and modulus, whereas it decreases the failure strain. The two processes demonstrated the same level of tensile strength but via different fracture mechanisms. Fiber orientation also significantly affects the fracture mode of CFRP. Resins and configurations both have an influence on strain rate sensitivity. An analytic model was proposed to examine the strain rate sensitivity of CFRPs with different processes and configurations. The proposed model agreed well with the experimental data, and it can be used in simulations to maximize the lightweight properties of CFRP.

Automated summary

The study investigated the dynamic tensile properties of CFRPs using two processes and four configurations, revealing that dynamic performance can enhance strength and modulus while reducing failure strain. Different processes exhibited similar tensile strength levels but via different fracture mechanisms, with fiber orientation also significantly affecting fracture mode. Resins and configurations were found to influence strain rate sensitivity, and an analytic model was proposed to examine this sensitivity and maximize the lightweight properties of CFRP.