High Strain-Rate and Shock Response of Carbon Supercomposite^TM

This study focuses on assessing the dynamic behaviors of carbon Supercomposite^TM laminates when subjected to high strain-rates and air blast loads, using a shock tube for testing. The investigation aims to understand the response of these advanced materials under extreme conditions, which is crucial for applications in aerospace, military, and other high-performance industries. Supercomposite^TM (CZE) prepreg, made up of a 3K plain weave carbon fabric with milled carbon fibers as interlaminar reinforcements impregnated with epoxy, is used to create Supercomposite^TM (CZE) laminates. A woven carbon composite (CBE) laminate was also created using 3K plain weave Carbon/Epoxy (CBE) prepreg. Both types of laminates were designed and fabricated using the autoclave process. The dynamic behaviors of CZE and CBE laminate under transverse compression loads were evaluated using a modified Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB). The study found that the 3D reinforcement with milled carbon fibers significantly affected the dynamic behavior of the CZE laminate. Stereo imaging videos, captured using two SHIMADZU high-speed video cameras in shock tube experiments, recorded the time history of back surface deflection. The plate specimens exhibited low deflections without any visible damage. The experimentally observed center point deflections of the CZE plates decayed sooner than those of the CBE laminates, indicating an improvement in damping due to the presence of 3D reinforced milled carbon fibers. This research shows that optimized utilization of milled carbon fibers as 3D reinforcement can withstand high stress in the thickness direction and higher energy absorption when subjected to impact and high strain-rate loading.