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School of Engineering
Advanced Composites Laboratory

Low Velocity Impact Studies On GlassReinforced Composites


 

Goal

    To improve low velocity impact performance of glass reinforced nanocomposites.                                         

Motivation

     Use of nanomodification in traditional composites to improve low velocity impact properties.  

About

   This research evaluates the effects of low velocity impact event of various energy levels, on the impact strength, energy dissipation mechanism, and residual compressive strength of  +/-45º stitched bonded E-glass epoxy composites manufactured with vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM). These E-glass composites are produced using unmodified epoxy resin and using modified epoxy resin system containing rubber micro-particles and silica nano-particles. Impact energies were varied within a specific energy range, with three specimens tested at each distinct impact energy level. The specimens with rubber nanosilica modified resin appeared to have superior impact energy dissipation to surrounding when compared with their unmodified counterparts. Based on damage area alone the modified epoxy specimens were able to distribute impact energy over a larger area, decreasing back-side delamination.  Post impact studies were conducted to evaluate the residual compressive strengths. Impact testing were performed following ASTM D7136, residual compressive strength was evaluated following ASTM D7137, quality of dispersion was evaluated using SEM, and internal specimen damage mechanism was detailed using optical microscopy techniques. Filtering effects inherent in the VARTM process by the E-glass fabric on rubber micro-particles and nanosilica were addressed.    

Publications

  1. R. Schultz, J. S. Tate, S. Gaikwad,  E. Trevino, and C. Jacobs, “Low velocity impact studies on rubber micro-particles and silica nano-particles modified epoxy glass composites”, International SAMPE Technical Conference (ISTC 2011), Forth Worth, TX, USA, Oct 17-21, 2011.  ID#1725.
  2. E. Trevino, J. S. Tate, S. Gaikwad, I. Rosas, M. Andrews, and S. Sprenger, “Post Low-Velocity Impact Studies On Glass Reinforced Composites Using Rubber Micro-Particles And Silica Nano-Particles Modified Epoxy Resin”, ASME 2012 International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition, Houston, TX. November 8-11, 2012. ID# IMECE2012-85742. Abstract accepted.