Abstract

Z-pins/Through-Thickness Composite Micro-Rivets (TTCMR) can improve the out-of-plane properties of laminated composites. This paper presents the results of an experimental investigation into the effect of TTCMR on the out-of-plane interlaminar shear and impact resistance of woven carbon fibre preform laminate composites with different fibre orientation. Both cross-ply [(0,90)4] and quasi-isotropic [(0,90)/ (±45)2/ (0,90)] laminate orientations with TTCMR were fabricated and infused using Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Moulding (VARTM). The results indicate that the TTCMR enhances the interlaminar shear and impact strength of woven carbon fibre composites. The failure modes and the presence of crimp/ waviness of the prepared samples before and after short beam strength testing are also investigated by analysis of optical microscopic images. The experimental results showed that riveting has enhanced the out of plane impact strength by 16.45% for cross-ply [(0,90)4] and 50.71% for quasi-isotropic [(0,90)/ (±45)2/ (0,90)] laminates. It also tripled the force bearing capacity. Short beam strength is improved by 1.92% and 11.40% for rivetted cross-ply [(0,90)4] and [(0,90)/(±45)2/(0,90)] laminate samples.

Keywords:Z-pins; Carbon fibre composite; Laminates; VATRM; Mechanical testing

Abbreviations: ILSS: Interlaminar Shear Strength; TTCMR: Through-Thickness Composite Micro-Rivets; RTM: Resin Transfer Moulding; 5HS: 5Harness Satin Weave; μCT: Micro-Computed Tomography; CFRP: Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer; VARTM: Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Moulding