An experimental study of failure initiation and propagation in 2D woven composites under compression

Experimental research was conducted to investigate the compressive failure of orthogonal 2D woven composites. Damage initiation and the effect of weave architecture were studied using a Four Point Bending (FPB) test setup. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Digital Imaging (DI) observations show the individual failure of the load-aligned tows, which behave as structural elements at the internal reinforcement level. Weave architecture and internal geometry are seen to affect location and morphology of the damage initiation. Damage propagation and the effect of stacking were studied using a reduced Compact Compression (rCC) test setup. Optical micrographs show that stacking configuration can have a significant effect on the damage morphology. Additionally, results also suggest the effect of stacking is a function of the weave architecture and internal geometry.