Abstract:
Three-dimensional (3-D) braided aramid fiber/epoxy resin composite tubes with three braided angles of 15°, 25° and 35° were prepared by using 3D braided molding technology and vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) process. The quasi-static compression performance test of 3-D braided composite tubes was carried out in normal temperature (20℃) and high temperature field (80℃, 110℃, 140℃ and 170℃). Combined with the stereo microscope and 3-D X-ray microtomography technology (micro-CT), the macroscopic and internal damage morphologies of the damaged 3-D braided composite circular tubes were observed and analyzed. Based on the experimental results, the coupling effects of braided Angle and temperature on the quasi-static compression properties and failure behavior of the 3-D braided aramid fiber/epoxy resin composite tubes were revealed. The research results show that increasing the braiding angle leads to a decrease in the axial load-bearing capacity of the fibers. The specimen with a braiding angle of 15° has the highest compressive strength (119.44 MPa) and modulus (3.96 GPa) at room temperature, while for the specimen with a braiding angle of 35°, these values decrease to 89.65 MPa and 2.48 GPa respectively. The increase in temperature exacerbates the softening of the epoxy resin and the debonding at the fiber/resin interface. At 170℃, the compressive strength of all specimens decreases by more than 90%, and the failure mode changes from fiber shear fracture at room temperature to matrix cracking and fiber buckling at elevated temperatures. The research content can provide theoretical basis for the prediction of mechanical properties and reliability design of textile structural composites, and promote the application of 3-D braided aramid fiber/epoxy resin composite tubes fittings in aerospace and other fields.