Davi Silva de Vasconcellos

Full-Field Measurement at the Weave Scale in Hemp/Epoxy Composite Using Digital Image Correlation

This paper presents the strain field analysis of a woven hemp composite. Two different stacking sequences were tested: [0/90]7 and [±45]7. Tensile tests were coupled with a digital image correlation method in order to measure in-plane longitudinal, transverse and shear strain fields. Strong heterogeneities were observed in both stacking sequences. The obtained spatial resolution was fine enough to allow the comparison of maximum and minimum deformation areas in strain fields with the corresponding weave architecture. It was observed that strain levels were directly linked with strand positions. Results gave, for the studied woven hemp composite, a complete analysis of the local deformation mechanisms.

Mechanical and laser impact effects on woven composites with hemp or glass fibres

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to study the damage induced in “green” and synthetic composites under impact loading. Design/methodology/approach The study was focussed on epoxy-based composites reinforced with woven hemp or glass fibres. Six assessment techniques were employed in order to analyse and compare impact damages: eye observation, back face relief, terahertz spectroscopy, laser vibrometry, x-ray micro-tomography and microscopic observations. Findings Different damage detection thresholds for each material and technique were obtained. Damage induced by mechanical and laser impacts showed relevant differences, but the damage mechanisms are similar in both types of impact: matrix cracks, fibre failure, debonding at the fibres/matrix interface and delamination. Damage shape on back surfaces is similar after mechanical or laser impacts, but differences were detected inside samples. Originality/value The combination of these six diagnoses provides complementary information on the damage induced by mechanical or laser impacts in the studied green and synthetic composites.

Assessment of damage in 'green' composites

The behaviour of eco-composites, when subjected to laser or mechanical impact loadings, is not well known yet. A research was proposed looking at the behaviour of ‘green’ and synthetic composites under impact loading. The study was focused on composites reinforced with short, medium and long fibres. Short fibre composites were made of spruce fibres and ABS. The fibres were used both as received and after a thermal treatment. Another set of samples was made of 60 mm-long flax fibres. Two types of thermoplastic polymers were used as matrices: polypropylene and polylactide. Also a woven eco-composite was investigated. It was made of plain woven hemp fabric impregnated with epoxy resin. A fully synthetic woven composite, used as reference laminate for comparison with ‘green’ composites, was prepared by using a plain weave woven glass fabric impregnated with epoxy resin. Mechanical impacts were performed by means of a falling dart impact testing machine. The specimens were tested at different impact energy levels (from 1J to 5J) by keeping constant the mass of the impactor and varying the drop height. Laser impact tests were performed by means of a high power laser shock facility. All the samples were tested at six different laser shock intensities, keeping constant the shock diameter and the pulse duration. Six assessment techniques were employed in order to analyse and compare impact damages: eye observation, back face relief, terahertz spectroscopy, laser vibrometry, X-ray micro-tomography and microscopic observations. Different damage detection thresholds for each material and technique were obtained.