Ultra-thin-ply CFRP Bouligand bio-inspired structures with enhanced load-bearing capacity, delayed catastrophic failure and high energy dissipation capability
File(s)
Accepted version
Author(s)
Mencattelli, Lorenzo
Pinho, Silvestre T
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
In this work, we demonstrate for the first time that the inherent low performance to out-of-plane loading of thin-ply Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastics (CFRPs) can be overcome with tailored bio-inspired Bouligand microstructures. To this end, we designed, manufactured ultra-thin-ply CFRP Bouligand laminates and conducted an original study which combines full-penetration quasi-static indentation tests, in-situ three-point bending tests conducted under a SEM and detailed analytical modelling. We investigated a wide range of mismatch (pitch) angles [2.5°, 5°, 10°, 20°, 45°], showing that decreasing pitch angles simultaneously achieved a larger (i) load-bearing capability, (ii) delay in catastrophic failure and (iii) total dissipated energy. We then investigated the role of the pitch angle on the activation of the highly dissipative sub-critical failure mechanisms responsible for the high mechanical performances achieved by small pitch angles laminates. Our investigation clearly shows that, with ultra-thin-ply CFRP, smaller pitch angles achieve higher damage tolerance and structural integrity.
Date Issued
2020-02
Date Acceptance
2019-10-03
Citation
Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing, 2020, 129, pp.1-15
ISSN
1359-835X
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Start Page
1
End Page
15
Journal / Book Title
Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing
Volume
129
Copyright Statement
© 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. This manuscript is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International Licence http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
Sponsor
European Research Council
Identifier
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1359835X1930404X?via%3Dihub
Subjects
0912 Materials Engineering
0913 Mechanical Engineering
0901 Aerospace Engineering
Materials
Publication Status
Published online
Article Number
105655
Date Publish Online
2019-10-05