Behavior characterization of dynamic mechanical response for carbon/epoxy composites under compressive load

The compressive tests were performed to obtain the dynamic mechanical properties of a novel carbon fiber reinforcement epoxy composites at high strain rate range. The dynamic compressive properties were investigated utilizing the Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) apparatus through the normal direction as well as the in-plane direction under high velocity impact loading. Based on the test results, the dynamic stress-strain relation was obtained at four different strain rates loading, respectively. At the same time, the fractography of the samples was characterized by the SEM method. The results showed that the dynamic compressive strength and the failure strain of the laminated samples in the normal direction were higher than that in the in-plane direction at high strain rates. The main damage and fracture modes were matrix crack, delamination and shear fracture under the dynamic compressive loading.