Environmental, mechanical and materialistic effects on delamination damage of glass fiber composites: Analysis and optimization

Machining process of glass fiber composites usually induces delamination damage. The presence of delamination may cause changes in the mechanical characteristics of the composite structures. In this research, a comprehensive experimental study is performed to analyze the influence of different parameters such as thermal fatigue, lay-up arrangement, resin type, feed rate and cutting velocity on the delamination of glass fiber composites under different drilling processes. Besides, influence of ultrasonic vibration exerting on the tool as a new and high-tech process is investigated. To follow this aim, different composite specimens with various resin types and lay-up arrangements are fabricated and a thermal fatigue condition is provided. Additionally, the Taguchi method is employed to obtain the optimized damage reduction condition in terms of mentioned parameters. The results indicated that thermal fatigue and unsymmetrical lay-up arrangement result in more delamination damage. It was also established that the influence of mentioned parameters is more considerable in higher cutting velocities. Moreover, ultrasonic vibration application is suggested to have the least delamination damage.

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Sensing of Damage in Glass Fiber Composites by Adding Carbon Nanotubes

Applied Mechanics and Materials ◽

10.4028/www.scientific.net/amm.330.68 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 330 ◽

pp. 68-76 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Li Min Gao ◽

Xin Lin Qing

Keyword(s):

Carbon Nanotubes ◽

Glass Fiber ◽

Composite Structures ◽

Fiber Composites ◽

Damage Initiation ◽

Micro Scale ◽

Glass Fiber Composites ◽

Specific Strength ◽

Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites ◽

Structural Applications

Advanced fiber-reinforced polymer composites are known to possess outstanding specific strength and stiffness and their use in structural applications continues to expand. Most structural composites are susceptible to the formation of micro-scale damage in polymer matrix under adverse conditions which has significant implications on the durability and performance of fiber composites. Thus, it is imperative to detect the initiation and evolution of damage in composites long before their catastrophic failure. In this report, our recent research in sensing of micro-crack in matrix in situ and in real time for glass fiber composites was reviewed. Carbon nanotubes were dispersed into glass fiber composites by three roll mill technique. A resistance parameter was utilized to quantitatively characterize damage initiation and propagation. Damage mechanisms and development were investigated under tension, fatigue loadings. This research demonstrates the feasibility and benefits of electrical resistance measurements in the sensing of micro-scale damage for fiber composites using carbon nanotubes and offers the potential for in-service health monitoring of composite structures.

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