Effect of defects on mechanical properties of composite

Abstract

This paper presents the study of effect of different types of defects on flexural strength of composite. Circular drillings of two different diameter extending upto neutral axis from the compression face and through holes at three different positions were made on specimens of different sizes to imitate defects during fastening by bolts. Epoxy filled half through holes have been tested to determine the extent of strength recovery and to check its feasibility in repairing damaged composites. The influence of delamination defect with change in number and location of delaminaton was analysed. The interlaminar fracture behavior of glass/epoxy composite has been preliminarily studied under flexural loading by using end-notched flexure (ENF)specimens. Two values of mode II strain energy release rate i.e GIIc were calculated, initiation value from the first non linear point on the load displacement graph and maximum value using the maximum force point and related displacement.