Effect of Fibre Bridging on Mode-II Interlaminar FractureToughness of Carbon-Aramid/EpoxyIntra-ply Hybrid Laminates

Abstract

Fibre reinforced plastics has widely replaced the traditional metals used in the field of aerospace due to its superior properties. Although these materials have superior properties than metals, they are poor when comes to fracture toughness. Interlaminar delamination under shear loading can cause catastrophic failure to structure since these damages are not visible. This paper describes the Mode II inter laminar fracturetoughnessof aramid/epoxy, carbon-aramid/epoxy and carbon/epoxycomposite materials. End notch fracture toughness test are conducted to determine the energy release rate (G_IIc) of these materials. Degradation of fracture toughness upon crack propagation is also studied.