LAUSR

Abstract We report Mode-I low-velocity impact fracture behaviors of 3-D angle interlock woven carbon fiber/epoxy composites. The wedge-loaded compact tension (WLCT) specimen was used to test Mode-I fracture behaviors. The crack initiation and propagation were photographed with a high-speed camera. We found that the crack initiated from resin-rich zone and then propagated along yarn / resin interface. The crack propagation direction changed along the crimped yarn orientations. A finite element analysis (FEA) model was established to simulate internal crack propagation behaviors. The FEA results indicated that the crack propagation path depends on the weaving architecture of the 3-D woven composites.