Interaction of Z-pins with Multiple Mode II Delaminations in Composite Laminates

M. Yasaee*, G. Mohamed, S. R. Hallett

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticle (Academic Journal)peer-review

20 Citations (Scopus)
391 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

The application of Z-pinning is a subject of great interest in the field of through-thickness reinforcement (TTR) of composite laminates. To date, the majority of Z-pin characterisation work has been conducted on fracture coupons containing a single embedded delamination, which is often not representative of real failure of reinforced composite structures in service. In this investigation a test procedure to produce two independent Mode II delaminations was developed to analyse their interaction with a region of Z-pin reinforcement. Initially numerical models were used to optimise the chosen configuration. Experimental results show in detail the response of Z-pins to two independent delaminations. These results highlight the ability of the Z-pins to effectively arrest mode II delaminations at multiple levels through the sample thickness. Additionally they provide a much needed data set for validation and verification of Z-pin numerical modelling tools.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1363-1372
Number of pages10
JournalExperimental Mechanics
Volume56
Issue number8
Early online date31 May 2016
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Oct 2016

Research Groups and Themes

  • Bristol Composites Institute ACCIS
  • Composites UTC

Keywords

  • CFRP
  • Composite
  • Mode II
  • Multiple delaminations
  • Through thickness reinforcement
  • Z-pin

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