Applied Composite Materials

Abstract Composite laminates are widely used in structural applications due to their high stiffness-to-weight ratio and tailoring capability; however, their durability is often limited by interlaminar crack growth. Under Mode I loading, the strain-energy release rate governs delamination resistance and is influenced by both interfacial fiber orientation and the curing condition of the polymer mat…

Abstract Due to the weak interlaminar strength of fiber-reinforced composite laminates, directly tapping threads into the laminate is generally not recommended. In monolithic composite laminates where through-bolting or sandwich-panel potting is not feasible, threaded inserts are commonly used to achieve reliable fastening and maintain structural integrity. Various insert types are commercially a…

Abstract This study investigates the mechanical and physical properties of a wood-based polymer composite DuraSense® 3D S50 Flex K to enhance its potential in large-scale additive manufacturing by studying the influence of printing orientation on the mechanical characteristics of the product. To assess performance, the specimens were produced with different printing layer orientations: at 0°, 30°…

Structural Supercapacitors (SSCs) are multifunctional carbon fiber-reinforced composites that combine mechanical load-bearing capacity with energy storage functionality. However, the interplay between mechanical deformation and electrostatic charge storage remains insufficiently understood. This study presents a quasi-static finite element sequential interaction modeling framework to investigate …

This paper focuses on trans-laminar fracture process under varying environmental conditions which is crucial for the design and certification of many modern engineering applications. High-fidelity Finite Element (FE) models are developed for predicting trans-laminar fracture of a quasi-isotropic carbon/epoxy laminate under room temperature dry, and for the first time hot temperature wet condition…

The growth of cracks between plies, i.e. delaminations, in continuous fibre polymer matrix composites under cyclic-fatigue loading in operational aircraft structures has always been a very important factor, which has the potential to significantly decrease the service life of such structures. Whilst current designs are based on a ‘no growth’ design philosophy, delamination growth can nevertheless…

Abstract Plant fibers are increasingly being incorporated into composites, as they reduce the material’s environmental impact. As part of an eco-design approach, we studied the processing of a flax/polypropylene (PP) composite. The ability of companies to adapt to demand is also a key factor in the ecological transition. While the manufacture of this composite using the bending method has already…