Influence of reinforcement architecture on damage mechanisms and residual strength of glass-fibre/epoxy composite systems

Non-crimp fabrics, by virtue of their structural integrity, may be stored indefinitely and processed by a variety methods. Damage mechanisms are determined, to some extent, by reinforcement architecture, which itself may be subtly influenced by the manufacturing technique employed. The methods of laminating a non-crimp fabric were prepregging, resin-film infusion and resin-transfer moulding. Subtle differences arise on a meso-structural level owing to variations in processing route which may reflect differences in observed damage extents and subsequent residual compression strength. The non-crimp fabric laminates were compared with a benchmark (unidirectional prepreg tape) and eight-harness satin-weave composites. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.