Shear Behavior of 3D Orthogonal Woven Fabric Composites under High Strain Rates

Abstract

The shear behavior of 3D orthogonal woven composite materials at various strain rates is investigated using the punch shear method both for quasi-static and high strain rate tests. Shear behavior in warp and weft directions respectively at strain rates from 900 to 3400/s are tested using modified split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB). The quasi-static tests are conducted on an MTS 810.23 material tester and compared with shear behavior in high strain rates. The results indicate that the shear strain and stiffness are rate sensitive both in the warp and weft directions. The shear stiffness increases, and shear failure strain decreases with the increase of strain rate. However, the failure shear stress in the warp direction is rate-independent while it increases with the strain rate increasing in the weft direction due to the different rate-sensitivity of Twaron yarns and glass yarns. The shear failure becomes more severe as the strain rate increases both in the warp and weft directions. The failure is the punch shear in the warp direction and punch accompanied with crack in the weft direction at various strain rates.