Abstract:
Three-dimensional (3D) braided glass fiber/epoxy resin composite thin-walled tubes with three braiding angles of 15°, 25°, and 35° were prepared by 3D braiding molding technology and resin transfer molding process (RTM). The quasi-static compression performance test of 3D braided composite thin-walled tubes was carried out at low temperature (−100℃, −50℃), normal temperature (20℃) and high temperature field (80°C, 110°C, 140°C and 170°C). The effects of temperature and braiding angle on compression properties and compression failure pattern of 3D braided composite thin-walled tubes were studied based on X-ray micro-computer tomography (Micro-CT). The results show that the quasi-static compression behavior of 3D braided composite thin-walled tubes has a significant temperature effect. As the temperature increases, the failure mode of the braided composite thin-walled tubes changes from local shear failure to large-area debonding of the fiber tows-matrix interface. The braiding angle has different effects on the compressive strength, compressive modulus and specific energy absorption of 3D braided composite thin-walled tubes. The braided composite thin-walled tubes with small braiding angle have a higher orientation along the braided yarn direction which can withstand greater axial compounding, so the compression performance is better.