Toughness properties of a three-dimensional carbon-epoxy composite

The three-dimensional (3D) orthogonal interlocked fabric contains through-the-thickness reinforcement in order to enhance the interlaminar fracture toughness of the composite. The interlaminar fracture toughness of a carbon-epoxy orthogonal interlocked fabric composite was experimentally determined by use of the recently developed tabbed double cantilever beam specimen. The data reduction methods applicable to these tests and materials and the interpretation of the results were discussed. The results of critical strain energy release rate, G(IC), were compared to those of a two-dimensional (2D) laminate having the same in-plane structure. The energy-dissipating crack propagation processes were described. The in-plane fracture toughness of the three-dimensional fabric was experimentally measured and compared to that of the two-dimensional laminate. The through-the-thickness fibers were found to create a tenfold increase in interlaminar toughness, and a 25-percent improvement in the in-plane fracture toughness.