Shear characteristics of hybrid composites with non-woven carbon tissue

Mechanical shear characteristics of hybrid composites with non-woven carbon tissue (NWCT) are investigated under uni-axial static tensile loadings. In-plane characteristics were studied on [+45]3s angle-ply CFRP laminates and [+45/-45/ +45/-45/+45/-45]s angle-ply hybrid laminates. Here, the symbol "/" means that the NWCT is located at an interface between CFRP layers. A new estimation method was proposed for the stiffness of hybrid composites. Chord shear modulus and 0.2%- offset shear strength of hybrid laminates were compared with those of CFRP laminates. Results estimated with the new method were compared with results of experiments and an ordinary rule of mixtures, and then the validity was confirmed. The hybrid angle-ply laminate seems to be effective to improve the shear characteristics. The damage and failure mechanisms of the hybrid composites were discussed through observation results with an optical microscope.