An experimental investigation to predict the durability of polyester-glass fiber composite subjected to tensile loading

Abstract

Glass Fiber and resin composites represent a significant advance in the industry thanks to their lightness, strength, and versatility. Their mechanical strength, highlighting a number of critical aspects in the development of high-performance materials, opens up new prospects in sectors as diverse as aerospace, automotive, and construction, among others. These advances stimulate ongoing research and development in the field of composite materials, underlining the importance of these efforts in meeting future needs in terms of materials performance and durability. This study examines the capacity to predict the durability of polyester-glass fiber composites when subjected to tensile loading. The experimental approach involves exploring the mechanical properties of the composite material and changes in glass fiber content, fiber length, and plate thickness. The process includes performing tensile tests on composite specimens to assess characteristics like Young's modulus and fracture stress. The study uses analytical prediction tools, precisely the Monte Carlo approach, to evaluate the damage distribution within the composite material. The study emphasizes the substantial influence of glass fiber content with a maximum content of 60% mass resin and length with the optimum size of 60 mm on the mechanical properties where Young's modulus attains a value of 4 GPa and longevity of the composite. The study highlights the significance of plate thickness in improving structural performance and fracture toughness, where Young's modulus shows consistency across varying thicknesses. In contrast, stress shows an increasing trend with thickness, culminating in a value of 3.4 MPa. The results enhance comprehension of polyester-glass fiber composites' mechanical characteristics and prediction ability under tensile stress.