Comparison of 2D and 3D carbon/carbon composites with respect to damage and fracture resistance

The static mechanical responses of two- and three-dimensionally reinforced carbon/carbon composites (2D- and 3D-C/Cs) were compared. The mechanical properties examined included tensile and shear stress-strain (S-S) relations, and fracture behavior using compact tension and double edge notch configurations. Compared with 2D-C/Cs, 3D-C/Cs were shown to possess a similar tensile S-S relation, lower shear strength, higher ultimate deformation in shear, and much higher fracture resistance. The differences in shear and fracture resistance were shown to be derived from a weaker fiber/matrix interface and weaker bonding between fiber bundles in the 3D-C/Cs. These weak interface characteristics of 3D-C/Cs are due to the high value of residual stresses caused by the three-dimensional fiber constraint of 3D-C/Cs. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.