The effect of prepreg ply thickness in carbon fiber reinforced composites on intralaminar toughness and shear strength in cryogenic environments for liquid hydrogen storage tanks

Title data

Szpoganicz, Eduardo ; Hübner, Fabian ; Beier, Uwe ; Geistbeck, Matthias ; Ruckdäschel, Holger:
The effect of prepreg ply thickness in carbon fiber reinforced composites on intralaminar toughness and shear strength in cryogenic environments for liquid hydrogen storage tanks.
In: Composites Part B: Engineering. Vol. 292 (2025) . - 112077.
ISSN 1879-1069
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesb.2024.112077

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Abstract in another language

This study investigates the effect of prepreg ply thickness on the intralaminar toughness and shear strength of carbon-fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) in room temperature and cryogenic environments. A toughened epoxy resin, optimized for ultra-low temperatures, was impregnated with unidirectional carbon-fibers at 45, 70, and 140 g/m² areal weights. The intralaminar energy release rates in modes I and II, along with the interlaminar shear strength, were evaluated under liquid nitrogen (in-situ) testing conditions to assess the performance of these composites in cryogenics. Optical and scanning electron microscopy correlated fiber-matrix distribution and regularity with failure modes and performance. While GIC decreased from 296 K to 77 K, ILSS was notably higher in cryogenic environments. Both intralaminar toughness and interlaminar strength were improved by thinner plies, especially at 77 K. Thus, highlighting the importance of fiber-matrix uniformity in optimizing delamination and shear properties under cryogenic conditions, where sensitivity to irregularities increases.

Further data

Item Type:	Article in a journal
Refereed:	Yes
Keywords:	CFRP composites; Ply thickness; Cryogenics; Delamination; Shear strength
Institutions of the University:	Faculties > Faculty of Engineering Science > Chair Polymer Materials > Chair Polymer Materials - Univ.-Prof. Dr.-Ing. Holger Ruckdäschel Faculties Faculties > Faculty of Engineering Science Faculties > Faculty of Engineering Science > Chair Polymer Materials
Result of work at the UBT:	Yes
DDC Subjects:	600 Technology, medicine, applied sciences > 620 Engineering
Date Deposited:	22 Feb 2025 22:01
Last Modified:	24 Feb 2025 08:22
URI:	https://eref.uni-bayreuth.de/id/eprint/92522