High-speed visualizing and mesoscale modeling for deformation and damage of 3D angle-interlock woven composites subjected to transverse impacts

Abstract The dynamic mechanical responses and progressive damage process of the three-dimensional angle-interlock woven composites (3DAWC) under repeated transverse impacts were investigated experimentally and numerically. Hopkinson pressure bar apparatus incorporating with a high-speed camera were employed to conduct impact tests and to illustrate damage development characteristics. Based on actual geometrical architecture of the 3D woven preform, a mesoscopic scale finite element model considering the interface was established to analyze the transient deformation process and damage mechanisms of 3DAWC. The interfacial failure, matrix cracking and yarn fracture were captured through the finite element analysis model and show good correlation with experimental observations. The study suggests that although the through-thickness binder yarns can improve the delamination resistance of 3D textile composites, the undulation of yarns caused stress concentration and buckling instability under compression and further kinking failure and matrix cracking.