The Effect of the Geometrical Parameter and Stacking Sequence on Damage Behavior of Unidirectional Carbon / Epoxy Laminate

Abstract

In this work, an experimental test series was carried out in order to evaluate the influence of the geometry of the specimen and stacking sequence on macroscopic behavior and the failure modes. A CFRP prepreg unidirectional was used to perform the tested specimens according to ASTM D790 standard. Five main lay-up configurations have been analyzed: [0]12, [±30]3s, [±45]3s, [±80]3s, and [0/90]3s subjected to flexural loading. The macroscopic behavior was followed by an MTS machine equipped with a bending fixture. A digital microscope is used to follow the microscopic failure modes during loading. These laminates exhibit a more complex behavior due to coupling effects and the combination of different failure modes. However, the most predominant damage observed is delamination accompanied with matrix cracking. Furthermore, the present work has shown a linear behavior of [0]12, [±80]3s, [0/90]3s, and a distinctive behavior of [±45]3s and [±30]3s laminate under flexural loading due to its pseudo ductile behavior.