Interlaminar Shear Properties of Polymer Composites With 3D Braided/ 3D Woven Hybrid Structures

ABSTRACT

3D braided (3 dB) and 3D woven (3DW) fabrics have a 3D spatial cross‐linked yarn structure, and their hybrid composites are designed to integrate the performance merits of both and overcome the limitations of single‐structure composites. This study investigated the interlaminar shear property variation of 3 dB/3DW hybrid laminated carbon fiber composites by experimental research and finite element multi‐scale simulation, focusing on three key process parameters: structural component ratio, lamination sequence and lamination angle. Laminated specimens with different parameter combinations were prepared via vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM), and interlaminar shear strength tests were performed following ASTM D2344. Representative volume element (RVE) models for 3 dB/3DW structures and a semi‐refined interlaminar shear model were established for experimental‐simulation comparison. Results indicated that the lamination angle aligning the 3DW weft with the braiding direction (KF) improved laminate strength and modulus more effectively than the warp‐aligned angle (KP). For lamination sequence, 3 dB layers on the upper structure enhanced strength, while lower 3 dB layers reduced it. An increase in the 3 dB component ratio caused a decrease in total fiber volume fraction, interlaminar shear strength that first dropped then rose to a stable ~45 MPa, and a continuous decline in modulus.