Research Abstract |
Fiber-reinforced plastics are extensively used in design of
many components due to their superior mechanical properties. Of all the
polymer composites devised, laminated composites are the most popular.
They differ from the other types in that the presence of layers usually
becomes evident at a grosser level of perception. Laminated composites
have a special appeal because, being made up of films (pre-preg) or sheets
as they so often are, they are easier to design, produce, standardize,
to provide desirable combinations of bulk and surface properties. The
most ingenious applications are undoubtedly the custom components that
are carefully built up of varied layers to meet specific requirements.
Depending on the application, various fibers can be bonded in a matrix
material to produce composite lamina. While the strength of the composite
is determined primarily by the fiber type and its volume fraction, the
role of the matrix cannot be ignored. The matrix material provides a
mechanism to transfer the load to the embedded fibers.
In addition to
the service temperature limitation, fiber-reinforced resin composites
have some tendency to absorb moisture. Moisture absorbed in sufficient
quantity by the matrix material lowers matrix dependent properties
such as inter-laminar shear strength, flexural, compressive, and dynamic
characteristics
of composites.
The purpose of this research is to understand the
effect of sea water environment such temperature on the degradation
of mechanical,
dynamic and erosion properties of fiber reinforced epoxy composites.
The specific material for this investigation will be selected after
a literature survey. |
Research Activities/
Experience |
Fiber-reinforced composites will be manufactured by lamina layout
procedure. Metallographic specimens will be prepared to measure the
fiber volume fraction in the composite system. The tensile, flexural,
interlaminar shear strength and damping properties of the composite
will be obtained using a servo-hydraulic testing machine and a laser
vibraometer. The effect of water absorption on these properties will
be determined by immersing composite in water with various temperature
and duration. The weight gain of the specimen will be determined for
various immersion durations and temperatures. Furthermore, the effect
of particle impingement on the erosion behavior of the composite will
be investigated. The effect of the particle size, volume fraction and
impingement velocity on the erosion rate is of special interest.
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