Evolution of kink bands in a notched unidirectional carbon fibre-epoxy composite under four-point bending

Kink-band nucleation and propagation has been monitored over time in three dimensions (3D) by time-lapse X-ray computed tomography (CT) in the compressive zone of a blunt notched unidirectional (UD) T800 carbon fibre/epoxy composite under in situ four-point bending (FPB). The kink bands that develop from micro-buckling are classified into two types, namely type 1 and type 2 by analogy with Euler buckling. Type 1 (shear) kink bands accommodate a...