On quantitative expression in fibrous composites based on an exemplary distribution of roving glass-fibers

Abstract

Abstract The paper deals with analysis of relationships between the microgeometry and mechanical properties of fiberglass i.e. epoxy resin composites with random fibers distribution. The mechanical properties (e.g. a flexural modulus E f , taking into account shear effects) of the material were determined in bending by Short Beam Shear Tests (SBST). Microgeometry of the structure was characterized on the basis of microscopic images of test specimens. The paper proposes a new measure of irregular reinforcement distribution expressed as an area ratio of the matrix surrounding the single fiber to the circuit of the fiber. The measure, denoted by G AB , is expressed in microns. In particular the relationship between the results obtained in the test samples with random distribution of fibers and theoretical regular structures of square (K) and hexagonal (H) type is presented. Specimens of the investigated composite (E-glass fibers and Epidian 5 epoxy resin), supplied by industrial partner, were cut out from raw material of helicopter blades girders. The obtained experimental results for the analyzed composite corresponded to approximation by the theoretical model of the square (K) type. The results can be used to estimate the flexural elastic modulus E f of the unidirectional composites with irregular arrangement of fibers, made manually or using the molding apparatus. Based on those results, it can be concluded that the square distribution model (K) is appropriate for numerical estimation of the strength composites properties reinforced with glass fibers of circular cross-section, having the diameter in the range of 10–16 μm.