Effect of Impact Directions, Fiber Orientation, and Temperature on Composite Material Strength

Abstract

Composite materials posses better characteristics and properties and therefore have wider application in industry. However, their development relies on a better understanding of their mechanical behavior. The aim of this article is to investigate the behavior of a thermoplastic material matrix composite reinforced by glass fabric type RT270 to break under temperature variation. Resilience tests were applied on standard notched specimens (cuts made in two directions over the layers, and mutually perpendicular) precracked from notch depth, with fibers direction being 0°/90° and +45°/-45°. Different temperatures have been used for each type (-30°, 0°, 30°C). These tests were developed following a designed experience of type 23.3 1, requiring 24 experiments performed in triplicate. Through regression analysis, a mathematical model describing the tensile strength according to the influential parameters is obtained, and the results of the tests allow calculating the strength (energy). From the results obtained, it was observed that energy is also important in the case of an edge notch in the front side and that the fibers direction and temperature variation have a great influence on the impact resistance and sensitivity of composite material.