Experimental characterization of the bearing behavior of 3D woven composites

An experimental approach is presented in this paper to investigate the bearing behavior of 3D woven composites. Two experimental setups have been designed. 21 specimens have been tested. Half-hole pin-bearing tests are used for detailed observation of the bearing failure. Double-lap pin-bearing tests are used to observe the ultimate failure of the specimens and validate the conclusions drawn from half-hole tests. The combined influences of the material orientation and the diameter-to-thickness ratio on the bearing strength are examined. Consistency of the two test configurations is discussed and the specificity of the off-axis case is analyzed. A scenario of damage leading to bearing failure is proposed, in which in-plane or out-of-plane tow-kinking plays a major role.