Large Shear Deformation of E-glass/ Polypropylene Woven Fabric Composites at Elevated Temperatures

Abstract

Stamping operation of textile composite sheets in industry involves a process of heating and cooling of the material. In the present article, the in-plane large shear deformation of woven fabric composite sheets at elevated temperatures is studied. Using the modified ‘picture frame’ test, the effects of temperature on the shear behavior of the material and the onset of wrinkling were investigated. In addition to the reduction in yarn width, the change of physical and mechanical properties of polypropylene (PP) fibers with temperature also plays a significant role. The initial shear stiffness of the composite sheets and the onset of wrinkling are reasonably explained by inter-yarn friction measurement. To simply consider the temperature effect, the introduction of a temperature-dependent factor for the simulation of stamping operation is suggested.