Stochastic framework for quantifying the geometrical variability of laminated textile composites using micro-computed tomography

• Published in: Composites. Part A, Applied science and manufacturing Vol. 44; pp. 122 - 131
• Main Authors: Vanaerschot, Andy, Cox, Brian N., Lomov, Stepan V., Vandepitte, Dirk
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 01.01.2013; Elsevier
• Subjects: A. Fabrics/textiles; A. Polymer–matrix composites (PMCs); Applied sciences; C. Statistical properties/methods; Composites; D. Non-destructive testing; Exact sciences and technology; fabrics; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; Laminates; micro-computed tomography; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Technology of polymers; X-radiation; C. Statistical properties/methods; A. Polymer–matrix composites (PMCs); A. Fabrics/textiles; D. Non-destructive testing; Strengthening; Laminate; Fiber reinforced material; Epoxy resin; Polymer; Mineral fiber; Transfer molding; Composite material; A. Polymer-matrix composites (PMCs); Non destructive method; Woven material; Carbon fiber
• ISSN: 1359-835X; 1878-5840
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compositesa.2012.08.020

Reference period collation, a method recently proposed for analysing the stochastic nature of a nominally periodic textile reinforcement, is extended to allow application to a laminate of stacked, nested plies. The method decomposes the characteristics of the fibre reinforcement into non-stochastic periodic (or systematic) trends and non-periodic stochastic fluctuations. The stochastic character of every tow is analysed in terms of the centroid position, aspect ratio, area, and orientation of its cross-section. The collation method is tested using X-ray micro-computed tomography data for a seven-ply 2/2 twill woven carbon-epoxy composite produced by resin transfer moulding. All tow characteristics, with exception of the in-plane centroid position, exhibit systematic trends that show only mild differences between plies. They correlate most strongly with cross-over points within a single ply. Of the various parameters, the in-plane centroid position is subject to the largest tow-to-tow variability, with deviations correlated over distances exceeding the unit cell size.