Tailorable through-thickness fibre reinforcement in CFRP laminates with AFP via Repeated Segment Stacking
File(s)
Published version
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Composite structures are vulnerable to delamination. With the increased usage of Automated Fibre Placement (AFP) it is important to develop compatible delamination mitigation strategies. In this work we highlight the strategy of segmenting plies and stacking segment-by-segment via AFP, rather than ply-by-ply, to provide through-thickness fibre interlocks to resist delamination. We develop a novel approach, ‘Repeated Segment Stacking (RSS)’, to create significant and tailorable through-thickness fibre reinforcements throughout the thickness. We demonstrate successful AFP prototyping, including the ability to control the fibre undulation geometry. Our results show that low amplitude designs provide reinforcement across all horizontal planes whilst increased amplitude designs mimic the impact resistant Herringbone structure of the Mantis shrimp’s dactyl club. Experimental testing to HVI, LVI, and CAI reveals reduced delamination footprint and containment at undulation boundaries. This first investigation demonstrates that the RSS concept enables composite plates with tailorable through-thickness fibre reinforcement to be manufactured with AFP, and that such designs provide a promising development route for AFP-manufactured delamination resistant CFRP structures.
Date Issued
2025-07-01
Date Acceptance
2025-04-09
Citation
Composites Part C: Open Access, 2025, 17
ISSN
2666-6820
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Journal / Book Title
Composites Part C: Open Access
Volume
17
Copyright Statement
© 2025 Published by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).
Identifier
10.1016/j.jcomc.2025.100591
Publication Status
Published
Article Number
100591
Date Publish Online
2025-04-18