Experimental Characterization of Failure Mechanisms in Carbon Fiber Laminated Joints

Abstract

Experimental data for carbon fiber composite joints is presented along with the characterization of failure mechanisms. These failure mechanisms are observed in three sets of testing: (1) Simple Pin Loading, (2) Window tests (pin loading with transparent out-of-plane constraints), and (3) Double Shear Bolted Joint. The first two test setups involve a unique fixture that allows the collection of far-field strain visualization via Digital Image Correlation, providing a better understanding of the laminate’s response to the load in real time. These results are subsequently compared to one another and work done in previous publications.