Dynamic Characterization of Textile Composites Part I: Uniaxial Tension

This two part series of papers will investigate the uniaxial and multiaxial response of textile composite materials subjected to high rates of loading. In this first paper, the uniaxial high rate tensile response of fiber tows commonly used in textile composites is studied. The rate dependent material response of IM7/SC-15 and S2 Glass/SC-15 are investigated in this work. The material is tested from quasi-static to dynamic rates using both a servo-hydraulic load frame and a split Hopkinson bar technique. Cross-ply laminates were investigated to determine the response due to the difficulty of preventing the splitting mode of failure for uni-composites. Stress–strain curves are generated and a discussion of the validity of results is framed by using DIC strain fields to examine the mechanics in the static and elevated rate regimes.