Intra-Laminar Damage in Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Composites: Experimental Observations and Model Validation

Abstract

The intra-laminar damage during quasi-static loading of Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Plastics (CFRPs) leads to degradation of ply mechanical properties. The possible intralaminar damage mechanisms are fiber failure, matrix cracking, and fiber/matrix debonding. In addition to experimental investigation of these mechanisms, modeling methodologies have been developed to predict the degradation of ply properties, accounting for (some of) these mechanisms. One of these methodologies is proposed by Ladevèze and LeDantec [1]. This model requires a set of input parameters, which are obtained through mechanical tests on laminates with prescribed lay-ups. In the current study, we extract these input parameters for an aerospace-grade CFRP, with detailed explanations. Beside the conventional parameter identification procedure, the parameters are linked to the physical progression of damage (in terms of crack densities), which is measured in the in situ images taken during the tests.