On the Understanding of Tensile Elastic and Strength Properties of Integrally Woven 3D Carbon Composites

Abstract

There is significant literature reporting research on three-dimensional (3D) textile composites. Previous experimental and theoretical work has shown that small details of design and structure of 3D woven composites have a significant effect on strength and failure mechanisms. This work presents the results of an experimental study examining the effect of thickness (number of warp layers) on tensile behavior of 3D orthogonal woven carbon/epoxy composites. Three different preform designs resulting in three different thicknesses were examined. There is a significant difference between warp (x) and fill (y) tensile properties strength, and the difference is a function of thickness.