Experimental and Computational Evaluation of Mechanical Properties of Glass Epoxy Composite Laminates at Different Fiber Orientations

In this research, the mechanical properties of composite materials were obtained and evaluated. The combination of numerical methods and experimental techniques were used to analyze these properties. Specifically, the mechanical properties at different fiber orientation were observed and discussed. Composite material has been made with the fiber glass and epoxy resin with different orientations (i.e., 0°/45°/90°, 45°/−45°, and 0°/90°). Tensile and bending tests were performed in accordance with ASTM 3039 and ASTM 7264 standards to determine stress, strain, tensile strength, elastic modulus, and bending strength at composite failure. The study found that changes in orientation of fiber have the vital role on the strength of composite material. The fiber oriented at 0°/90° in composite has higher strength (235 MPa) compared to orientation at 0°/45°/90° (226 MPa) and + 45°/−45° (221 MPa) with 2.99% and 1.28%, respectively. The experimental analysis of the composites mechanical properties has been validated with numerical model and ABACUS model. By comparing the values obtained experimentally those from the numerical model, the authors were able to identify areas for improvement and further development in enhancing the strength of composite materials.