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composites
Prakash Prashanth1, Chong Bing Shen2, Chen Zhong3, Sunil Chandrakant Joshi3, Elvin Ser Ming Chia4
1
Anglo-Chinese School (Independent), 119 Dover Road, Singapore 139656
2
River Valley High School, 6 Boon Lay Avenue, Singapore 649961
3
Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798
4
DSO National Laboratories, 20 Science Park Drive, Singapore 118230
Abstract
Braided textile composites are relatively new in the area of composites. They are known mainly
for their toughness and high shear resistance. They consist of a polymer matrix along with
reinforcement in the form of braided textiles. This report analyzes the tensile properties of
braided textile composites. Composites used for this research were fabricated using Vacuum
Assisted Resin Infusion (VARI) method which resulted in an uneven thickness. Hence, an
attempt has been made to predict the failure region by analysing the cross-sectional area of the
sample. It also discusses the micro-structure of the composite by observing the cross-section
using a microscope. The optical image revealed that the shape of the yarn cross-section varies in
different locations within the composite, from lenticular to elliptical. This will be useful for
researchers trying to model unit cells of braided textile composites via computational means. A
proper analysis of shapes would allow them to perform more accurate finite element analysis.
Introduction
Composites are the combination of a matrix and reinforcement at the macro level. Braiding is the
process of intertwining strands of yarns. These yarns are made up of fibers of various materials
like glass, carbon, Kevlar etc. The textiles after braiding form the reinforcement of the composite
which usually has a polymer matrix. These composites have desirable properties in a particular
direction which is usually unachievable with either of the components alone. One of the
objectives of this research is to study how the yarn shape differs in various layers of the
composite. This will allow researchers to make more accurate models of braided textile
composites. The fabrication process and the tensile properties have also been investigated.
Diameter
mm
304.8
Angle
45
Yield
m/kg
3.2
Fabric Weight
g/m
325
Thickness at 50% FV
mm
0.25
samples. A sheet of peel ply is placed over the samples to ensure that the composites do not bond
with the layer of breather cloth that would be placed over the peel ply. Another sheet of plastic
cover is placed over the entire marked area to ensure that the set-up is air tight. The vacuum is
attached by making a small incision in the upper plastic cover. The vacuum set-up aims to
remove air bubbles from the set-up. The set-up was left to cure for 24 hours. Below is the picture
of the final set-up (Figure 1)
Cross-sectional Area
(/mm2)
Thickness and width of each individual region were measured using a digital micrometer screw
gauge and digital vernier calipers respectively. These dimensions were tabulated using Microsoft
Office Excel and the average cross-sectional area of each region calculated. The area was then
plotted against the regions so that one can determine the weakest region of the specimen easily.
33
32
31
30
29
28
27
26
25
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1011121314151617
Region
As shown from Figure 3, region 9 has the smallest cross-sectional area. Since the cross-sectional
area of surrounding regions are also rather small, region 6 to 9 were predicted to be the weakest
regions of the specimen. When the specimen was under stress, it would turn opaque as cracks
form. This is shown in Figure 4.
C
B
D
A
Figure 5 is the actual graph obtained from the experiment. It is a typical load-tensile extension
curve, while Figure 6 is the general stress-strain curve. Both curves have generally the same
shape, except for the initial horizontal line for the experimental curve (Figure 5). That line
signals that slipping of the specimen has occurred as little or no force is required to bring about
elongation of the sample. As Young Moduluss is the ratio of stress to strain at the linear elastic
stage [3], it is the slope of the stress-strain graph in the region (origin to point A in Figure 6)
where the stress is proportional to the strain. However, as Figure 5 is not exactly a stress-strain
curve, it cannot be calculated by just finding the gradient of the initial linear slope. Instead, the
gradient obtained should be multiplied by (where L0 is the initial length of the specimen and
A0 is the original cross-sectional area) in order to obtain the value of Youngs Modulus.
From the above graph we can find out the Youngs Modulus of the composite.
Below are the tabulated results for all our samples. Sample A and C were tested along the axial
direction and sample B and D along the transverse direction.
Table 2: Summary of the results of different samples that were tested
Sample
A
B
C
D
Avg. cross-sectional
area at failure
region/mm2
27.62
32.66
24.99
40.43
Initial
length/mm
Young's
Modulus/GPa
16
14
14
14
14.48
8.57
11.2
8.66
Percentage
Elongation at
rupture point
6.38
7.71
6.36
7.36
Shown in Figure 7 below is the stitched photograph of the axial cross-section of the composite
taken using the microscope.
In conclusion, the VARI and wet layup methods of fabrication are quick and easy to carry out
but it may not offer a very uniform finish as it is very hard to control the thickness of the sample
through these methods. An alternative would be Resin Transfer Molding (RTM) which makes
use of a mold enabling us to achieve a more uniform finish. Also the shape of the yarn changes
from the outer surfaces to the centre. A proper and more in-depth study into this would make
modeling composites more accurate. The more accurate value of the Youngs modulus can be
calculated using an extensometer or strain gauges to measure the strain.
Acknowledgements
We would like to sincerely thank Aditya Mahesh Khatri and Ji Xianbai from Temasek
Laboratories @NTU for their unwavering support, guidance and encouragement. We would also
like to thank Mr. Lim Yong Seng from the Aerospace Structures Laboratory, MAE, NTU
References
1
A&P Technology Inc. , SharxTM Braided Biaxial Sleevings, Retrieved December 30, 2010 from
http://www.braider.com/?a=57&b=sharx-braided-biaxial-sleevings
2
Wei Mengyao, Test Methods of Composites, Nanyang Technological University, 2010
3
Callister W.D., 2000, Materials Science and Engineering An Introduction, 5th Edition, John
Wiley and Sons, Inc., New York