Tension–tension fatigue behavior of layer-to-layer 3-D angle-interlock woven composites

• Acoustic emission and FEA model were used to characterize fatigue damage.
• Three fatigue life ranges with different damage modes were found.
• The 3D woven structure will influence the fatigue damage significantly.

The tension–tension fatigue behavior of (the layer-to-layer) three-dimensional angle-interlock woven composite (3DAWC) was investigated using the acoustic emission (AE) technique, examination of damaged regions via light microscopy and micro-CT, and finite element analysis (FEA). AE events occurred during the entire fatigue process, and damage modes were determined based on cumulative fatigue damage of the 3DAWC undergoing tension-tension cyclic loading. FEA was employed to determine stress distribution and specific regions of stress concentrations within the composite structure. Debonding occurred at the warp tow-matrix-weft tow interface where the warp tows exhibited a maximum in amplitude of undulation. In addition, interrupted tests were performed to investigate fatigue damage modes of the 3DAWC at specific points in the fatigue life. Fatigue damage occurred in three distinct stages with characteristic damage modes.