An Approach for Obtaining the Young's Modulus in Woven Glass/Epoxy Reinforced Composites

Abstract

A number of equations for predicting the in-plane material properties of woven reinforced composites have been suggested in the available literature using empirically evaluated correction factors. The use of such factors in the determination of dynamic properties has, however, led to signficant errors. It is therefore imperative that a method of obtaining high speed material properties of composite laminates must be sought since micro-mechanics equations have not been found suitable. Tensile tests were conducted on woven reinforced glass/epoxy laminates at increasing rates of strain and the fractured surfaces were viewed under a scanning electron microscope. In this work a semi-empirical relationship for the tensile modulus was proposed using micro-mechanics and data from tests conducted.