Prediction of Mechanical Behavior of GFRP with Elastomer under Impact and Tensile Loading

Abstract

In this paper, the mechanical behavior of GFRP laminates reinforced with Elastomers under Impact and Tensile loading conditions has been studied. The GFRP laminates have bidirectional orientation so that it can take loads acting along both x & y-axis. Composite made of E-glass fibre and Araldite LY 556 resin was reinforced with Silicone Rubber elastomer. The GFRP laminates were manufactured utilizing the Compression Molding (Sheet Molding) Process. Elastomers are believed to improve the Impact and Tensile Strength of GFRP laminates. Which can be studied only by comparing the Impact and Tensile test results of GFRP with Elastomers to those without Elastomers. A total of ten specimens, five GFRP laminates without Elastomers, and five GFRP laminates with Elastomers were manufactured. For each type, two samples were used to obtain Tensile Strength at 34oC & 50oC, and then three specimens were used to gain Impact Strength. The Tensile Strengths were obtained from the Tensile Test as per the ASTM D638 standard of testing, and the Impact Strengths were obtained from the Charpy Impact Test as per the ASTM D256 standard of testing. The specimen dimension for Tensile Test was 4.97 mm * 12.9 mm, and the specimen dimension for the Charpy Impact Test was 63.7 mm * 12.7 mm. The values for Impact Strength and Tensile Strength for each type of specimen were tabulated, utilizing which graphs were plotted between Stress vs. Strain. These values were used to analyze the Mechanical Properties of GFRP with Elastomers under Impact and Tensile Behavior.