Digital image correlation of additively manufactured CFRTP composite systems in static tensile testing

Abstract Additive manufacturing of polymers results in low strength and inherently defective parts with limited application, hence the reason for selectively reinforcing the material using continuous fibers for improving the mechanical properties for which there are indications deviation from the classical laminate theory (CLT) theory and the rule of mixture, as well as a significant influence of manufacturing defects on the overall mechanical properties. Although the results in the mechanical behavior analysis of these materials are scarce today, authors up to date have documented some mechanical properties under tensile loading without interruption. Therefore, eight sets of CFRTP test specimens were designed and additively manufactured according to ASTM-D3039 varying the layer stacking sequences and prepared for digital image correlation (DIC) measurement. Finally, the prepared specimens were statically tested over three consecutive phases of progressive tensile loading and unloading using an axial testing machine, while the displacements were monitored and measured using the GOM-Aramis DIC system.