Experimental Studies on the High Strain Rate Compression Response of Woven Graphite/Epoxy Composites at Room and Elevated Temperatures

In this study, experimental investigations on affordable woven graphite/epoxy laminates under high strain rate compression loading at room and elevated temperatures are discussed. 17-layered woven graphite/epoxy laminates are fabricated with plain and satin weave fabrics with room temperature curing SC-15 epoxy resin using affordable vacuum assisted resin infusion molding (VARIM) process. Samples were tested at strain rates ranging from 200 to 1100/s at four different temperatures: room, 125, 175, and 225 F. Upper limit on the temperature was selected based on the supplier’s data sheet for SC-15 epoxy resin system, which has a dry glass transition temperature of 220 F. Failure mechanisms were characterized through optical microscopy. Failure modes were influenced by the temperature and fabric architecture. Results of the study indicate the softening of fiber–matrix interface with increasing temperature, which affects the dynamic compression strength. Satin weave samples exhibit higher compressive strength as compared to plain weave samples due to straighter fabric architecture.