Experimental Investigation on Low-Velocity Impact Performance of 3D Woven Textile Composites

The objectives of this experimental study are to develop impact-resistant three-dimensional (3D) woven textile-reinforced composites as well as to clarify the relationship among woven structure, mechanical performance, and failure mode of the developed composites. Six types of 3D woven structures with different binder-yarn paths, were designed and manufactured based on a new weaving technology with modified heddle position system on the basis of a self-built 3D weaving loom. Low-velocity drop-weight impact tests on the 3D woven textile-reinforced epoxy resin composites were conducted under impact energy levels of 10, 20, and 30 J to study the effect of woven structure on the out-of-plane mechanical performance of the composites. Load bearing capacity, deflection characteristics, and energy characteristics of the composites were studied to clarify their impact resistance. Among the six developed 3D woven composites based on this new weaving technology, it is found that the through-thickness angle-interlock woven structure is the optimal structure with a quasi-penetration energy of 30 J, whereas the other structures have a quasi-penetration energy of 20 J. The results also confirmed that the woven structure has an obvious influence on the composite failure mode: angle-interlock woven structures exhibit more limited delamination failure and keep a structural completeness after impact, whereas orthogonal woven structures exhibit more fiber fracture failure. Angle-interlock woven structures are more suitable for manufacturing based on the new weaving system to develop impact-resistance composite materials.