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Interaction of Z-pins with Multiple Mode II Delaminations in Composite Laminates

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Abstract

The application of Z-pinning is a subject of great interest in the field of through-thickness reinforcement (TTR) of composite laminates. To date, the majority of Z-pin characterisation work has been conducted on fracture coupons containing a single embedded delamination, which is often not representative of real failure of reinforced composite structures in service. In this investigation a test procedure to produce two independent Mode II delaminations was developed to analyse their interaction with a region of Z-pin reinforcement. Initially numerical models were used to optimise the chosen configuration. Experimental results show in detail the response of Z-pins to two independent delaminations. These results highlight the ability of the Z-pins to effectively arrest mode II delaminations at multiple levels through the sample thickness. Additionally they provide a much needed data set for validation and verification of Z-pin numerical modelling tools.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge Rolls-Royce plc for their support of this research through the Composites University Technology Centre (UTC) at the University of Bristol, UK.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Aerospace, Transport and Manufacturing, Cranfield University, Building 83, Cranfield, MK43 0AL, UK

    M. Yasaee

  2. Advanced Composites Centre for Innovation and Science (ACCIS), University of Bristol, Queen’s Building, University Walk, Bristol, BS8 1TR, UK

    G. Mohamed & S. R. Hallett

Authors
  1. M. Yasaee
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  2. G. Mohamed
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  3. S. R. Hallett
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Correspondence to M. Yasaee.

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Yasaee, M., Mohamed, G. & Hallett, S.R. Interaction of Z-pins with Multiple Mode II Delaminations in Composite Laminates. Exp Mech 56, 1363–1372 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11340-016-0175-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11340-016-0175-9

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