Investigation of the Z-binder role in progressive damage of 3D woven composites

The lack of strengthening mechanisms in the through-thickness direction of two-dimensional (2D) laminated composites often results in the incubation and initiation of distinct damage patterns such as delaminations and cracking. To address this issue, 3D woven composites containing z-binders have been introduced to provide means for enhanced damage tolerance. To assess the benefits of such novel composite architectures, this article uses an...