Mechanics of Multi-Layered Materials and Composites.
Abstract
Using a video microscope equipped with microscope lens, we have recorded various stages of kink band formation and band width broadening in unidirectional fiber composites. These deformation modes are different from the commonly assumed kinematics employed by many investigators. The in-situ video pictures show that the early stage of kink band formation involves progressive, cooperative fiber bending/rotation and plastic shearing of the matrix within a shallow narrow band of about 10 fiber diameters wide. This deformation mode causes geometric softening of the material within the band. At some point in this process, fiber rotation within the kink band is halted. The termination of fiber rotation, referred to as fiber lock-up, is believed to be brought about by the stiffening of the composite shearing response at large shear strains. This forces the kink band to spread into the unkinked material (which is soft in shear) by band width broadening to accommodate the continuous overall end-shortening of the specimen. In the band broadening stage, the bends in the fiber (at the edges of the kink band) propagate into the unkinked material much like a pair of dislocations moving away from one another. Band widths of 30 to 50 fiber diameters with a steeper inclination than the initial band orientation have been observed. The final width of the kink band is set when the fibers snap. The mechanism of band broadening bears some similarity to neck propagation in certain polymers often termed cold drawing.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1995
- Accession Number
- ADA299718
Entities
People
- C. F. Shih
Organizations
- Brown University