GRP pipe bends subjected to out-of-plane flexure with and without pressure

Abstract

Out-of-plane bending tests were carried out on eight E-glass reinforced polytester resin, 90 degree pipe bends of 250 mm diameter and 250 mm bend radius. Each bend specimen tested had 1175 mm long tangent pipes attached, and construction was by hand lay-up, the glass being in the form of chopped strand mat (either 2.4 kg/m2 or 3.6 kg/m2). In all cases low loads were applied so that deformations were sensibly linear. Strains and displacements were measured and distributions were compared with estimates calculated from pipe bend theory for isotropic materials under plane stress, but modified for composites by using separate moduli for direct and bending stress conditions. Further measurements were taken for internal pressure (only) loadings on five of the specimens, and finally for out-of-plane flexure loading combined with constant pressure. Again measured values were compared with theory. Results are discussed in relation to a typical design procedure for such pipe components.