Transverse impacts‐induced deformation and damage of 3D angle‐interlock woven composites at elevated temperatures.

This paper investigated the effect of elevated temperature on the impact‐induced deformation and damage behavior of 3D angle‐interlock woven composites. The transverse impacts were carried out at high temperatures of 90°C and 130°C using Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar matched with controlled environmental device. A meso‐scale finite element model considering the thermal‐mechanical coupling has been developed, and the numerical results were compared with the experimental data and high‐speed photography to study the effect of temperature and reinforcement architecture on the dynamic behaviors of the composites. The damage mechanisms at elevated temperatures were studied. Results show that the impact resistance of the 3D angle‐interlock woven composites degraded at the glassy region of the epoxy resin, then enhanced at the glass transition temperature (Tg), this phenomenon became more pronounced in the warp direction. Such behavior should be ascribed to the improved toughness and ductility of the resin matrix. The local plastic deformation of resin before damage slowed down matrix cracking and composites failure. Further, the reinforcement play a key role in the adiabatic heating and plastic deformation of the composites at high temperature. Highlights: The impact test of 3D woven composites was conducted at elevated temperatures.The high temperature significantly affects the dynamic properties of composites.The increased toughness and plasticization of resin diminished impact damage.A mesoscale thermo‐mechanical coupled finite element model was developed.The reinforcement plays a key role in the damage process and adiabatic heating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]