Comparison of Tensile and Impact Absorption properties of Bio-Inspired Helicoidal stacked with Cross-Ply Stacked Carbon Fiber Laminate

Abstract

Abstract Herrigbone structures are identified on the chitins of the Mantis shrimp. Bio-inspired helicoidal arrangement of composite layers can mimic these herringbone structures. First, the carbon composite samples are fabricated using the hand lay-up method, followed by a curing process using a hot press system. The impact absorption properties of these samples will be analyzed through a series of impact tests. The samples will also be tested for its tensile properties to compare the effect of plies arranged in helicoidal [0,45,90], [0,30,60,90] and Cross-ply orientations to form the laminate structure. The results showed that helicoidal samples have higher penetration tolerance and toughness as compared to Cross-ply samples during impact tests. It is found that the specimen with helicoidal stacking sequence has better debonding resistance and improved damage tolerance. The 6-ply helicoidal samples exhibits higher tensile strength as compared to 6-ply Cross-ply samples due to better fiber to matrix adhesion for helicoidal structure in the direction of pulling force.