Static mechanical properties of hybrid RTM-made composite I- and Π-beams under three-point flexure

Abstract

This paper deals with three-point flexure tests on hybrid I-and P-beams, made out of multi-layer carbon fiber/epoxy resin (including twill woven fabric CF3031/5284 and unidirectional cord fabric U3160/5284) reinforced composites, processed using the RTM (resin transfer molding) technique. Static bending properties were determined and failure initiation mechanism was deduced from experimental observations. Failure mode of the tested hybrid RTM-made I-beams can be reckoned to be characteristic of the delamination from the cutout edge within the web and the debonding propagation along the interface between the inverted triangular resin-rich zone and the adjacent curved web until local buckling within the curved webs around the conjunction fillet region. In contrast, as distinct from hybrid RTM I-beams subjected to three-point bending loading, hybrid RTM-made P-beams in three-point flexure tests experienced the resin debonding in the inverted triangular resin-rich zones and the debonding propagation along the interface between the inverted triangular resin-rich zone and the adjacent curved web until complete separation of the curved web from the flange. Progressive damage models (PDMs) were presented to predict failure loads and process of hybrid RTM-made I-and P-beams under three-point flexure. Good correlation was achieved between experimental and numerical results.

A multiscale modelling procedure for predicting failure in composite textiles using an enhancement approach

“…As a range of modes of loading are required to be studied in one structural test/analysis, it is pursued as a good example to demonstrate the benefits of this multiscale analysis methodology. For this purpose, a component level structural analysis of a composite I-beam using the geometry specified in [20] is considered (illustrated in Figure 12). All the layers are assigned with the T300/3900-2 plain weave fabric lamina properties provided in Table 1.…”

Bending Properties of 3d I-Shaped Woven Composites

“…3D I-shaped textile structural composites were fabricated with 3D I-shaped textile fabrics used as reinforced phase and resin used as matrix phase. Most ordinary I-shaped composites were pressed with plate material, and the processing method was simple, but the integrity of the ordinary I-shaped composites is poor and it is easy to crack [2]. Compared with ordinary fabrics, the 3D woven fabric has good integrity and many advantages like larger thickness, rigidity and light weight [3].…”