Microstructure dependent damage mechanisms in 3D using X-ray tomography

XCT was used to characterise the microstructure of short glass fibre reinforced polymers. Tools to determine local parameters like fibre orientation, classified damages and displacement on a fibre level were determined. The application of these tools on an injection moulded specimen in the fibre orientation is shown in this paper. Interrupted tensile tests were performed to induce damage and determine the parameters as mentioned. The position of the final fracture surface can be overlaid to the initial unloaded microstructure. This approach allows elucidating the most determining parameters for crack initiation and propagation. In the investigated specimen fibre pull-out, fibre fracture and matrix cracking could be found. The shape of the fracture surface is strongly influenced by the local fibre arrangement which, of course, also determines local displacement.