SYMPOSIA PAPER Published: 01 January 1984
STP30195S

Fracture Toughness and Impact Characteristics of a Hybrid System: Glass-Fiber/Sand/Polyester

Source

In order to understand the damage mechanism in a glass-fiber/sand/polyester hybrid composite, it is essential to study the effects of inherent flaws or defects on the damage growth in the material. The irregular shape and presence of sharp geometric corners in the sand particles, voids, and improper interfacial bonding are factors that contribute to the weakening of the composite performance. One of the parameters influencing the defect formation is size of sand particles.

In this investigation, the thickness of glass/polyester layer is varied, while the sand/polyester layer is kept at a constant thickness. Laminates are made using different sand particle dimensions in order to investigate their influence on the performance of the hybrid composite. The combined effect of the defects is quantified by measuring the residual backing toughness provided by the glass/polyester layer after the full crack growth in the sand layer. The laminates having fine-sand particles provide better toughness properties in comparison to the coarse-sand laminates.

Impact studies are performed to evaluate the influence of defects on the hybrid composite behavior when subjected to impulsive loading. The load is applied to the glass/polyester face. The effect of thickness of the glass/polyester layer on damage initiation and propagation due to the impacting tup has been studied. It has been found that the thickness of the glass/polyester layer has a predominant influence on damage growth and mode of failure.

Author Information

Joneja, SK
Owens-Corning Fiberglas Corporation, Technical Center, Granville, Ohio
Newaz, GM
Owens-Corning Fiberglas Corporation, Technical Center, Granville, Ohio
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Details
Developed by Committee: E08
Pages: 3–20
DOI: 10.1520/STP30195S
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-4902-1
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-0218-7