Experimental and Analytical Investigation of Axial Compression Behavior of Hat Section Stiffener Composed of Discontinuous Carbon Fiber Reinforced Thermoplastic Composites Stiffened using Thermoplastic Matrix Prepreg

Abstract

We fabricated a modeled automotive structure using mixed discontinuous carbon fiber and thermoplastic resin (LFT-D) stiffened using prepreg with the same matrix. This structure was shaped in the form of a hat closed by an LFT-D flat plate. Subsequently, we performed axial compression tests on these specimens. We also conducted non-linear finite element analysis to predict the axial compression behavior. Thereafter, the numerical and experimental results were compared and discussed. Ultimately, we discovered that fusion bonding is superior to adhesion bonding because it offers a higher maximum load capability owing to the higher fracture toughness.