Maximum Quasi-Static Indentation Stress Analysis of Flax/Epoxy and Glass/Epoxy Polymer Composites

Abstract

The use of fibres is constantly expanding to satisfy the demands of various industries.Both synthetic and natural fibresoffer benefits that are best suited tospecific applications. Synthetic fibresare preferablethan the natural fibresbecause they have greater mechanical properties. However, in their application, synthetic fibresnegatively influencethe environment as they are non-biodegradablematerial. Asa result, the demand and usage of natural fibreskeep increasing as an alternativeto the synthetic fibres. The usage of natural fibres reducesnegative impact on the environmental, though their properties are not as good as synthetic fibres. ANSYS APDL, one of the FEA analysis software, is used to perform quasi-static indentation (QSI)testmodellingin this research work. The purpose of this study is to determine the influence of fibreorientations of 0°, 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 75°, and 90°, as well as the effect of the supporting ply angle, 0°, on the mechanical properties of Flax FRP composite. For layup sequences of [(+θ, -θ)2]Sand [(±θ)2,04]S, it was observed that maximum strength increases from 0° to 90° fibreorientation. Meanwhile, in a QSI test, the highest strength of Flax FRP was found at 45° for both [(+θ, -θ)2]Sand [(±θ)2,04]Slayup sequences, with 94.20 MPa and 96.80 MPa,respectively. The effect of fibrevolume fraction(Vf), such as Glass FRP composites with fibrevolume fractions of 30% and 60%,shows that the fibrevolume fraction for 60% has a better performance than 30%. Therefore, composites with a higher fibrevolume fraction show better maximum strength and lower deformability. The results of modellingand simulation work on Flax FRP composites can aid in developingnew materials that are more sustainable than conventional techniques by anticipating the mechanical behaviourof natural FRP composites.