Investigating the Impact of Stacking Sequence and Ply Orientation on Glass Fiber-Polyester Composite Strength

 

The use of glass fiber-polyester composites is widespread in industries requiring lightweight yet strong materials, such as aerospace, automotive, and construction. A recent study published in IgMin Research explores how the stacking sequence, ply orientation, and central notches affect the tensile behavior of glass fiber-polyester composites. This research focuses on how these factors influence the strength and durability of the material, particularly under axial tensile loads.

In the experiment, various composite laminates were tested with different cross-ply orientations ([0°/90°] and [90°/0°/90°]) and ply numbers, both with and without a central notch. The presence of a central hole, a common feature in composite materials used in structural applications, was of particular interest as it creates stress concentrations that can significantly reduce material strength. The study measured the nominal tensile and net tensile strengths across different configurations to understand the influence of these variables on mechanical properties.

Results indicated that increasing the number of plies had a slight effect on tensile strength, with unnotched specimens displaying higher tensile strength values compared to those with a central hole. The data also revealed that a larger notch diameter generally led to reduced tensile strength due to increased stress concentration around the hole. Additionally, composites with a higher volume fraction of glass fiber showed better strength characteristics, suggesting that optimizing fiber content can enhance performance.

This research provides insights into designing stronger and more reliable glass fiber-polyester composites by adjusting ply orientation and stacking sequences. The findings are particularly valuable for industries seeking materials that balance lightweight properties with high tensile strength.

Full Text: https://www.igminresearch.com/articles/html/igmin221
PDF Link: igmin.link/p221