Cutting Behavior of Composite Prepregs

Abstract

Two types of composite prepregs were selected to conduct experimental study on cutting. Both were cut in different conditions to investigate the fiber deflection of prepregs due to cutting. Also, the effect of cutting parameters on the strength of laminates made of cut prepregs was investigated. For unidirectional prepreg cutting, factors such as primary knife angle a, knife sharpness and relative orientation between cutting direction and fiber direction 6 have significant effect on fiber deflection. The firmness of backing plates is not an important factor. The fiber deflection of unidirectional prepreg due to cutting is not large enough to have significant effect on the strength of coupons made from these prepregs. For woven prepreg cutting, the fiber deflection is large and has some effect on the strength of coupons.