Work

Experimental testing and micromechanical modelling of unidirectional CFRP composite laminae under multiaxial loading conditions

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This paper presents comprehensive experimental testing and numerical modelling of the failure behaviours of unidirectional carbon fibre reinforced polymer (UD-CFRP) composite laminae under multiaxial loading conditions. A novel modified Arcan test rig with a rotational clamp was developed to enable multiple stress combinations with out-of-plane stresses in UD laminae on a traditional laboratory-based uniaxial test machine. The test rig was verified by uniaxial tension and validated by off-axis tension. UD CFRP laminae were tested for the first time under five stress combinations using the test rig, with results cross-validated against a high-fidelity representative volume element (RVE)-based 3D micromechanical finite element model. Failure strength envelope and damage mechanisms demonstrate the applicability of the test rig for composite failure under multiaxial loading conditions with a broad spectrum of stress combinations.

Source: Composite Structures

DOI: 10.1016/j.compstruct.2025.118889

Authors: Lei Wan, Ka Zhang, Jiayun Chen, Aonan Li, Jiang Wu, Dongmin Yang

Institutions: University of Hull, University of Edinburgh, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics

Language: English

Topic: Mechanical Behavior of Composites

Subfield: Mechanics of Materials

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,660

Funder: Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council