The tension–tension fatigue behavior of carbon fiber/epoxy woven composites with stable structural reinforcements

Abstract

AbstractCarbon fiber/epoxy woven composites with stable structural reinforcements exhibit a better static mechanical property than composites with unstable reinforcements. The stable structural reinforcements show a limited deformation during the curing process. To investigate the influence of reinforcements on the tension–tension fatigue properties of composites, three typical composite samples were manufactured and experiment research was developed. The results show that the composites with stable structural reinforcements prove excellent fatigue behavior, and the initial elastic modulus can be enhanced. The curvature of load‐bearing yarns affected the loading capacity, and the low curvature improve the structural integrity. The unstable structural reinforcements lead to the “fatigue strengthening” after a limited number of cycles, owing to the straightening of load‐bearing yarns. Reducing the curvature of yarns can effectively decrease the occurrence of initial cracks by altering the structural characteristics of reinforcements, which strengthens the bonding to improve fatigue resistance.