A DIC-based study of in-plane mechanical response and fracture of orthotropic carbon fiber reinforced composite

The in-plane elastic properties and quasi-static fracture response of an orthotropically woven carbon fiber reinforced composite are investigated using 3D digital image correlation. The elastic properties are determined as a function of fiber orientation, and the effect of fiber angles on the crack extension direction is investigated. The modified maximum hoop stress criterion is used to predict the crack extension angle of the examined material. The predicted angles are in very good agreement with those found experimentally. Optical observations and local strain data from the quasi-static fracture studies reveal that crack initiation occurs well before the maximum far-field load is reached.