Abstract
Based on previous results of both an increase of nearly 40% in static tensile strain by shortening fiber length from commercial 6.4 mm to 0.44 mm in an unsaturated polyester/styrene-butadiene GFRP-BMC composite containing 20 mass% short E-glass fibers and their acoustic emissions (AE), the fracture resistance mechanics of sub-mm length fiber dispersion reinforcement is proposed. Since the 40% strain increase acts to improve strength and toughness, the mechanics is useful. This paper aims to present the mechanism of strain-driven improvement where microcracks are prevented from propagating beyond the critical crack size (2ac) for thermoset polymers, resulting in an increased and more dispersed total microcrack surface area as recorded by AE raising fracture strain.
Publisher
Trans Tech Publications, Ltd.
Subject
Mechanical Engineering,Mechanics of Materials,Condensed Matter Physics,General Materials Science
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