Influences of out-of-plane fiber waviness on the curved beam strength of glass fiber composite laminates

Abstract

In-plane and out-of-plane waviness are inevitable defects in parts that have curved sections made of continuous fiber-reinforced composites. These defects can be located in the micro, meso (ply level) and macroscale (part level). In this study, an artificial out-of-plane fiber waviness was generated on the outer surface of the curved section of the L-shaped laminates. The fiber waviness generated was characterized experimentally using micrographs taken from the samples. The effect of fiber waviness on curved beam strength and delamination of the samples were determined through bending tests. Also, the effect of fiber waviness on the strain distribution on the curved section was quantified using Digital Image Correlation (DIC) technique.