Theses and Dissertations
ORCID
https://orcid.org/0009-0000-8563-1722
Advisor
Kim, Han-Gyu
Committee Member
Khare, Vivek
Committee Member
Huberty, Wayne
Committee Member
Drake, Daniel
Date of Degree
5-15-2026
Original embargo terms
Immediate Worldwide Access
Document Type
Graduate Thesis - Open Access
Major
Aerospace Engineering
Degree Name
Master of Science (M.S.)
College
James Worth Bagley College of Engineering
Department
Department of Aerospace Engineering
Abstract
This thesis presents an experimental and analytical investigation of mode-II interlaminar fracture in geometrically-scaled quasi-isotropic resin-infused composites, with emphasis on through-thickness stitching as reinforcement. A global-local framework integrating load-displacement response, size effect fracture energy analysis, and digital image correlation-based separation measurements enabled direct comparison between unstitched and stitched configurations. Unstitched laminates exhibited pseudo-ductile behavior but significant post-peak load drops (16.7–26.8%) and a small fracture process zone (FPZ) of 0.73 mm, limiting stable crack growth. Stitching preserved pre-peak stiffness while reducing post-peak load drops by 43–95%, increasing effective fracture energy by 39.7% (to 2.413 N/mm), and expanding the FPZ to 2.85 mm through crack-bridging mechanisms. Performance depended on stitch type and pitch, with optimal behavior achieved when stitch placement aligned with FPZ dimensions. Overall, stitching transformed brittle instability into controlled energy dissipation, improving mode-II damage tolerance.
Sponsorship (Optional)
Yes, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) (Award Number: G00003737)
Recommended Citation
White, Allison Jean, "Experimental investigation of the effectiveness of various stitching methods on arresting mode-II interlaminar damage propagation in geometrically-scaled stitched resin-infused composites" (2026). Theses and Dissertations. 7004.
https://scholarsjunction.msstate.edu/td/7004
