An evaluation of the loading direction sensitivity of 3D woven composite with novel web-shaped Z-binder architecture

Abstract

3D orthogonal (ORT) through-thickness woven composites have excellent out-of-plane properties but exhibit inferior in-plane properties and are loading sensitive. This study proposes a novel web-shaped orientation of z-binder architecture in 3D orthogonal through-thickness model with in-plane uniform elastic moduli to address this drawback. On-axis tensile, Off-axis tensile and In-plane Shear tests were performed on the four macroscale models (ORTon, WEBon, ORToff, WEBoff). The ORT model, validated by data from the literature, was used as a reference for the proposed WEB model. The overall fibre volume fraction of the WEBon, and WEBoff models were 7.07% and 8.67% lower than the ORTon, and ORToff models. In the on-axis tensile test, the Ex and Ey were lower by 16.89% and 2.66% for WEBon model, but in the off-axis tensile test, they were higher by 13.75% and 13.77% for WEBoff models. The Gxy was 10.96% lower for WEBon model. The difference between the Ex and Ey under on-axis loading conditions was 14.81% for ORT model, whereas 0.22% for WEB model. Thus, the proposed WEB shaped z-binder architecture model outperforms the ORT model under the off-axis and is comparable in transverse loading conditions. It also possesses loading direction insensitivity, unlike the ORT model.

Numerical Study of the Influence of the Structural Parameters on the Stress Dissipation of 3D Orthogonal Woven Composites under Low-Velocity Impact

“…This finding accentuated the z-yarn's pivotal role in mitigating delamination damage propagation, underscoring its viability in applications necessitating impact resistance. Subsequent analyses, integrating both experimental techniques and finite element methods, affirmed the diminished delamination in 3DOW composites [4,[15][16][17][18]. This outcome resonates with findings from Sohail et al [19] and Luo et al [20], who reported that the major failure mechanisms in 3DOW composite under impact are fiber tearing and matrix crushing, while delamination failure was not significant due to the binding from z-yarns.…”