Elastic-damage characterization of fibre-bundle lamina of CFRP composite through 3D digital image correlation and finite element method

Carbon fibers’ exceptional mechanical properties make them the major load-bearing component of CFRP composites, which are rapidly being used in modern aerospace applications. Design of multi-directionally (MD) laminated composite structures for specific operational load requires the exact determination and force analysis of 0 o -laminas and their arrangement in the lamina assembly process. The significant property variation between carbon fibers and matrix components indicates that the mechanical behavior of the 0°-laminas is attributed largely to the fiber-bundle at the mesoscale. The elastic properties of fiber have been obtained through standard tests, however, many challenges are encountered in the characterization of fiber damage and fracture processes. In this research, a new experiment is introduced where tensile tests are performed on single edge-notch 0 o -CFRP composite monitored by 3D digital image correlation (DIC), to demonstrate the mechanism of deformation and failure and determine the exact elastic-damage properties. A hybrid experimental-computational approach is developed where finite element models representing the experiment, are used to obtain and validate the damage evolution characteristics of fibers in CFRP lamina. In addition, test and simulation results are utilized to describe the mechanism and mechanics of deformation and damage of the composite structure.