Failure behavior and damage visualization of thick carbon/aramid hybrid woven composites under flexural loading conditions

This study presents an assessment of the failure behaviour and damage mechanisms of thick carbon/aramid hybrid woven composites with different fibre orientations in three-point bending test. The specimens are divided into 0° (principal material directions of aramid fibre), 90° (principal material directions of carbon fibre) and 45°, respectively. Acoustic emission (AE), infrared thermography (IRT) and X-ray micro-computed tomography (Micro-CT) are used to monitor the evolution behaviours of composites. The damage mechanism of three types of specimens is discussed. The results show that the excellent bending strength, lack toughness and small failure strain of composites are obtained in the carbon fibre direction. The high strength of carbon fibre and excellent toughness of aramid fibre contribute to the mechanical response of thick carbon/aramid hybrid woven composites. Meanwhile, Micro-CT technology enables the visualisation of the inner damage of composites, making the identification of damage evolution of specimens more accurate and effective. Combined with AE technology, IRT and Micro-CT, can realise the comprehensive investigation of the damage and failure behaviour of composites.