The characterisation of notched 3D woven composites using Thermo-elastic Stress Analysis and Digital Image Correlation

Although adhesive bonding of fabricated composite structures would be the preferred option from a design for manufacture point of view, there will always be a need to use mechanical fastening for highly loaded regions. Fatigue behaviour and notch sensitivity are two of the main concerns for fabricated composite structures, despite the excellent performance of the material in the former regard. For 3D woven composites previous research has...