Fatigue Analysis of FRP Laminate Composites

Abstract

Fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) laminate composites display anisotropic behaviour on account of alternating phases of fiber and matrix in suitable weight fractions. Recent research has focussed on structural analysis of these composites pertaining to various strengths like tensile, compressive, flexural etc. This paper attempts to estimate fatigue life of these laminated composites on account of fatigue damage calculation using “Miner’s Rule”. Modelling of laminated composites is done in Ansys® Workbench (ACP) as per required weight/volume fraction. The structural response of modelled laminate is done by “Random Vibration Analysis” which utilises the standard deviation (1σ) of a stress, force or displacement to determine fatigue life of the laminated structure. The effect of fiber orientation and thickness of lamina is analyzed on fatigue life of epoxy E-glass laminated composite.