Micromechanisms of damage in 0° splits in a [90/0]s composite material using synchrotron radiation computed tomography

In situ synchrotron radiation computed tomography has been used to investigate 0° ply splits in a [90/0]s carbon fibre–epoxy laminate. This technique allows for direct three-dimensional observations of damage. Micromechanisms such as pinning and bridging have been observed in rubber-toughened, resin-rich regions. Crack opening and shear displacements associated with 0° splits have been quantified and this work demonstrates that this technique may be particularly useful for determining full-field strain maps around damage in composite materials.