Mode I and pull-out tests of composite laminates reinforced with rectangular z-pins

The present paper deals with the mode I and pull-out performance of unreinforced and with pin-reinforced carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic specimen. Especially, the influence of the pin geometry on the aforementioned tests was investigated. The rectangular pins require a higher pull-out force and cause higher energy consumption during the frictional pull-out compared to circular pins. The influence on the mode I performance of the rectangular pins depends on their orientation relative to the carbon fibres of the laminate.