Shear driven deformation and damage mechanisms in High-performance carbon Fibre-reinforced thermoplastic and toughened thermoset composites subjected to high strain loading

High strain loading response of high-performance aerospace grade polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK) and toughened epoxy carbon fibre-reinforced composites has been investigated in pre-impregnated laminates having identical fibre volume fraction, i.e. nearly 65%. Tensile cyclic tests have carried out on the with [±45°]8S stacking sequence, order to characterise inelastic (plasticity) parameters for two progressively up high strains (up 11% strains), correlation matrix micro-scale deformation damage characteristics. The most suitable processes achieve ultimate mechanical performance were used manufacturing laminates. It observed that PEEK composite exhibits higher at under loads compared (150% failure strain, 380% hardening 200% stress) due superior shear attributed interfacial strength fibre–matrix prior failure, as opposed extensive micro-cracking, coalescence debonding composite.