Tensile properties and failure mechanism of basalt fiber reinforced aluminum alloy laminates at different temperatures

Abstract This study investigates the tensile behavior and failure mechanisms of basalt fiber reinforced aluminum laminates (BFRL/Al) with different pore configurations (single, double, four, and six holes) over a temperature range of 30–180°C. The specimens were fabricated from 2024‐T3 aluminum alloy and basalt fiber/epoxy resin prepregs, with a stacking sequence of [Al/90°/0°/Al/0°/90°/Al]. Quasi‐static tensile tests revealed that the ultimate tensile load decreased with increasing temperature. For single‐hole specimens, the ultimate load decreased by 17.1% (from 17.47 kN at 30°C to 12.81 kN at 180°C), while for six‐hole specimens, the decrease was more significant, reaching 38.0% (from 14.81 to 9.18 kN). Digital Image Correlation technology revealed strain localization, showing a “butterfly‐shaped” strain distribution around the single hole and an asymmetric “double X” strain concentration in multi‐hole configurations. Scanning electron microscopy further revealed the evolution of damage patterns. At 30°C, the fractures were mainly matrix‐dominated planar fractures, which transitioned to severe delamination at 180°C. Fiber‐matrix debonding was more pronounced at 130°C than at room temperature. The dispersion of tensile strength was effectively characterized by a two‐parameter Weibull model. The resulting Weibull parameters provided valuable insights into the reliability analysis of BFRL/Al structures. These findings quantify the interactions among temperature‐induced matrix softening, pore‐induced stress concentration, and multiscale damage progression, providing essential information for the design of high‐temperature fiber metal laminates in aerospace and automotive applications. Highlights Exploration of fiber metal laminates (FML) tensile characterization through integrated technology. SEM reveals the microscopic damage evolution of FML. DIC technique is employed to analyze the tensile strain field at room temperature. Weibull modeling methodology for evaluating the performance of FML.