Abstract
An experimental investigation into in-plane scaled Over-height Compact Tension (OCT) [45/90/-45/0]4s carbon/epoxy laminates was carried out to study the scaling of fracture response. The dimensions of the baseline specimens were scaled up and down by a factor of 2. Interrupted tests were carried out for specimens of each size in which the tests were stopped after certain load drops in order to study the failure mechanisms. X-ray Computed Tomography (CT) scanning was applied after the interrupted tests to examine the damage development and its effect on the fracture response. The test results showed that the scaling of the initial propagation of fracture follows Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics (LEFM), but the development of the damage process zone differs with specimen sizes. The OCT specimens were found to be not large enough to generate a self-similar damage zone during propagation, and so no conclusions could be drawn regarding the R-curve effect.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 40-48 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing |
Volume | 69 |
Early online date | 8 Nov 2014 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Feb 2015 |
Keywords
- A. Laminates
- B. Fracture toughness
- D. Mechanical testing
- Scaling