Effect of Fiber Orientation on Carbon/Epoxy and Glass/Epoxy Composites Subjected to Shear and Bending

Abstract

In this study, the Interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) and flexural properties for five different laminate orientations [0°, 45°, [45°/-45°/45°]s, [±45°/0°/90°]s and 90°] of unidirectional carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CRP) and glass fiber reinforced plastic (GRP) composites are investigated. The different approach is used by applying the tensile load on notched specimens for measuring the inter-laminar shear strength. The theoretical flexural properties are obtained using the classical laminate theory [CLT]. The good agreement is obtained between the theoretical model and experimental results. The results indicate that the flexural strength and stiffness are higher for 0° laminate whereas flexural strain is higher for [45°/-45°/45°]s laminates as compared to other laminates. The scanning electron microscopy is used to observe the fracture surface of all laminate orientations of CRP and GRP composites.