Estimation of interlaminar shear strength in glass epoxy composites by experimental and finite element method

Abstract

The objective of the present work is to estimate interlaminar shear strength in glass epoxy composite by experimental and finite element method. A woven glass fabric (0- 90) and epoxy are used in the preparation of the composite. Interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) is estimated experimentally by ASTM D 2344 and ASTM C 1425 for thin and thick laminates. While adopting the procedure mentioned in ASTM D 2344, the sample dimensions of thin and thick laminate are 32 X 10 X 2 mm3 and 80 X 10 X 10 mm3 respectively. Three-point bend test is conducted on Universal testing machine made by United Calibration Corporation with model No. STM 50 kN at a loading rate of 1.5 mm/minute. For the standard ASTM C 1425, the sample dimensions of thin and thick laminate are 30 X 15 X 2 mm3 and 30 X 15 X 10mm3 respectively. The fixture is fabricated for both thick and thin laminate for estimating interlaminar shear strength. The obtained experimental results are compared with interlaminar shear strength estimated in ANSYS, and the correctness of finite element analysis is verified. The results interpreted in the present work are also compared with the published results available in the literature, and it is noticed that the deviation is agreeable. From the available literature, it is also suggested that ASTM C 1425 is recommended over the other methods since the sustainability of the material is achieved while examining the interlaminar shear strength.