In situ observation of kink-band formation in a unidirectional carbon fiber reinforced plastic by X-ray computed tomography imaging

A compression test of a unidirectional carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) rectangular coupon was performed in an X-ray computed tomography (CT) system. Internal compressive failure of the CFRP was observed under loading. Two-dimensional fiber microbuckling developed non-uniformly in the specimen, and enlarged locally at one side. Fiber failure then initiated at the side edge and propagated through the whole cross section. A two-dimensional kink-band developed as a result of two-dimensional fiber microbuckling. The out-of-plane and in-plane band widths and band angles were almost the same. The coupon specimen twisted slightly owing to the two-dimensional kink-band, which resulted, macroscopically, in a transverse and through-thickness shear failure mode. The scenario of kink-band failure in a unidirectional CFRP coupon was revealed by X-ray CT imaging.