Elastic and fracture behavior of three-dimensional ply-to-ply angle interlock woven composites: Through-thickness, size effect, and multiaxial tests

This work presents a comprehensive investigation of the elastic and fracture behavior ply-to-ply angle interlock three-dimensional woven composites. The research investigated novel splitting wedge-driven out-of-plane tests to shed light on tensile in thickness direction provide estimates strength energy. In addition, size effect geometrically-scaled Single Edge Notch Tension (SENT) specimens were performed fully characterize intra-laminar energy material study scaling structural this type results confirmed that these materials is significant. fact, even if range sizes was broader than any previous traditional laminated composites two-dimensional textile composites, all experimental data fell transition zone between quasi-ductile brittle behavior. implies strong damage tolerance analysis via Bažant’s Type II Size Effect Law (SEL) enabled objective characterization for first time. Finally, Arcan rig combined with X-ray micro-computed tomography allowed unprecedented insights different mechanisms under multi-axial nominal loading conditions, particularly tension-dominated shear-dominated conditions.