Static and dynamic analysis of silicone/polyurethane embedded GFRP composite for magnetorheological elastomer

Abstract

The current study focuses on the static and dynamic properties of GFRP composites embedded with a silicone(Si)/polyurethane(PU) blend used in automobile vibration dampening. Epoxy resin, glass fiber, and Si/PU blends of various compositions were used to create the hybrid composite specimens. For the present study, five different Si/PU blend compositions were considered to make five Si/PU embedded GFRP composite laminates were fabricated by hand layup method. The fabricated laminateswere cut to the standard sizes using water jet machining for mechanical and vibration testing. All tests were carried out in accordance with ASTM standards. Free Vibration test of five elastomeric composite specimens was carried out by impulse hammer method under fixed-free boundary condition. The current study found that the hybrid composite specimen with 0% Si and 100% PU elastomer has higher tensile strength, impact energy, and natural frequency than the other Si/PU blend elastomeric composite specimens.The better interfacial adhesion of PU rubber helps to transfer stress across interfaces more effectively and thereby enhancing the overall mechanical integrity of the composite laminate.