The influence of binder tow density on the mechanical properties of spatially reinforced composites. Part 1 - Impact resistance

R McIlhagger, JP Quinn, AT McIlhagger, S Wilson, D Simpson, W Wenger

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

18 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This paper examines the influence of binder tow stitch density on the impact performance of advanced composite structures. Spatially reinforced composite reinforcements with multi-axis, multi-layer structures were woven on a specialty developed loom. The binder tow stitch density, which was used to consolidate the structure, was varied in the range of 1-4 binder tow stitches/cm(2) (10 X 10 mm to 5 x 5 mm binder tow stitch spacing). A drop weight impact test (6.7 J/mm of composite thickness) was used to damage the samples. Both the depth of penetration and the damage area were measured after impact. The analysis of the results has shown that as the binder tow stitch density was increased the extent of damage decreased. The weave architecture, in terms of the relative position of the +/- 45 degrees tows, was also shown to be a significant factor, the nearer the off-axis tows are to the impact surface the greater was the damage area. (c) 2006 Published by Elsevier Ltd.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)795-801
JournalCOMPOSITES PART A-APPLIED SCIENCE AND MANUFACTURING
Volume38
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished (in print/issue) - 2007

Keywords

  • carbon fibre
  • mechanical testing
  • weaving

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