High Strain Compression Response of Affordable Woven Carbon/Epoxy Composites

This paper discusses the experimental study on the response of affordable plain and satin weave carbon/epoxy composite laminates subjected to high strain rate compression loading using a modified Compression Split Hopkinson’s Pressure Bar (SHPB). 37 layer laminates were manufactured using aerospace grade woven fabrics with SC-15 epoxy resin system utilizing Vacuum Assisted Resin Infusion Molding (VARIM) approach. Samples were subjected to high strain rate compression loading at five different strain rates ranging from 17/s to 817/s in the in-plane as well as through-the-thickness directions using a modified SHPB that facilitates controlled single pulse loading of the sample. High strain rate response was compared with that of static compression. Optical microscopy was used to characterize the failure mechanisms. Results of the study indicate considerable increase in dynamic compression peak stress as compared to static loading, whereas the strain at peak stress was lower by 35-65%. Samples loaded through-the-thickness exhibit higher peak stresses as compared to those loaded in the in-plane direction.