Using z-pinning to improve the low-velocity impact performance of composite skin/stringer structures

This paper investigates the effect of the z-pin pre-hole inserted (ZPI) process on the impact resistance and post-impact flexural properties of skin/stringer composite structure with different z-pin parameters. The responses of the specimens are characterized in terms of impact denting & cracking length, load-carrying capacity, energy absorption and so on. Experimental results demonstrate that the z-pin cannot inhibit the initiation of debonding cracks at the skin/stringer interface. However, the z-pin forms a bridging traction zone across the cracking and prevent it from developing, which ensures the skin/stringer structure preserve higher peak loading and impact resistance. The specimens with the highest z-pin density have better impact resistance and outstanding residual flexural post-impact properties. Moreover, z-pins play a bridging role through its own failure. One is the inter-fiber debonding and splitting or shear failure of z-pins due to “snubbing effect,” the other is the sliding friction of z-pins and z-pins’ elastic deformation. These results could provide some guidance for designing z-pinning connection of composite skin/stringer structure.