Performance of thin ply non crimp fabrics composites

Thin-ply composites are increasingly used in the composite industry due to the various design possibilities and the improved mechanical properties it exhibits when subjected to loading. In this project, two ways of improving the out-of plane properties of C-ply composites were studied. Resin transfer moulding (RTM) was the manufacturing technique used to manufacture the C-ply composites. Study on the effects of stitching in C-plies was characterised using interlaminar fracture toughness test and the effect of the type of resin to improve the impact properties was determined carrying out the impact tests. Double Cantilever testing was conducted and the results showed that stitching in C-plies have a positive effect on resisting crack growth by exhibiting a 26.5% improvement in the interlaminar fracture toughness property of the composite laminate. Impact resistance testing was performed and the results showed that thermoplastic composites are able to absorbed energy more efficiently (50%) than Epoxy Composites. More plastic deformation in case of thermoplastic composite due to its ductile characteristics was the main reason for its better energy absorbing characteristic compared to epoxy composites.Bachelor of Engineering (Aerospace Engineering