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Journal of Polymer & Composites Original Research Special issue

Experimental Analysis of Glass Fiber Composite on Low Velocity Impacts

  1. Mahendra M.A. Department of Aeronautical engineering, Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology (NMIT), Nitte (Deemed to be University), Bengaluru
  2. Riya Singh Department of Aeronautical engineering, Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology (NMIT), Nitte (Deemed to be University), Bengaluru
  3. Harsh Raj Department of Aeronautical engineering, Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology (NMIT), Nitte (Deemed to be University), Bengaluru
  4. Pawandeep Singh Department of Aeronautical engineering, Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology (NMIT), Nitte (Deemed to be University), Bengaluru

Abstract

This research specifically deals with determining the retained tensile strength after loading Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) composites following low-velocity impact. The purpose is to determine the degree to which these impacts affect the structural performance and mechanical integrity of GFRP materials. Experimental tests were conducted on glass fiber composite specimens in order to observe variation in tensile strength upon impact. The results indicated significant tensile strength reduction in impact samples compared to non-impact-exposed samples, which suggested a significant relationship between impact damage. Yet in real-world applications, such materials tend to experience unforeseen impacts, leading to hidden damage that is not apparent from the outside but can have appreciable effects on their structural behavior. Key findings revealed a progressive loss in tensile strength with increasing impact energy, with the highest degradation (over 52%) observed at 50J impact. unidirectional glass fiber composites (~33–57% reduction). Stress-strain behaviour analysis indicated that un-impacted samples possessed greater stiffness and ultimate tensile strength, whereas the impacted samples experienced nonlinear deformation and early failure. These findings underscore the importance of incorporating impact resistance considerations in the design and maintenance of composite structures. The study provides valuable insights for engineers and designers aiming to enhance the damage tolerance and safety of composite materials in critical applications. Future work may explore hybrid composites or modified resin systems to improve impact resistance further.

Keywords

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