Evaluation of Mechanical Properties of Multifiber Composites With Different Stacking Patterns: An Experimental and Numerical Approach

Abstract

This work focuses on the simultaneous reinforcement of natural and synthetic fiber mats in epoxy matrix and studies the influence of their stacking sequence on the mechanical properties of the composites. Hybrid laminates with three different stacking sequences of glass and ramie fibers were fabricated using hand layup technique. These were subjected to different physical and mechanical characterization tests and were observed under stereo and scanning electron microscope for microstructural details. The compositional characterization was done using energy-dispersive spectroscopy technique which revealed the presence of different elements in the reinforcement and the composite. The results obtained from physical and mechanical tests suggested that the composites exhibited maximum values of void content (4.05%) and moisture absorption (3.187%) and highest values of tensile strength (141.52 MPa), flexural strength (183.12 MPa), impact strength (15.531 J/cm2), inter-laminar shear strength (27.75 MPa) and microhardness (40.35 HV). Further, the experimental results were validated by carrying out numerical simulations using Ansys 22.0 workbench. The comparison of experimental and numerical results yields errors lying within the limit of 1%-5%. This work thus suggests that numerical approach can be gainfully employed to predict various essential properties of such multi-fiber composites prior to fabrication and experimentation.