Effect of face sheet on the flexural and tensile characteristics in GLARE laminates

ABSTRACT

The present study is carried out to study Glass Fibre Reinforced Aluminium Laminate (GLARE) structures and to evaluate their flexural and tensile properties. The GLARE specimens were fabricated using hand layup with vacuum bag moulding process wherein the aluminium sheets and E-Glass fibre woven mats of fixed thickness are bonded together by application of epoxy resins. Three different thicknesses of aluminium alloy (0.2 mm, 0.3 mm and 0.4 mm) Al-2024 T3 are used for the purpose of the study. The aluminium sheets are stacked together by application of epoxy resin between the sheets and are cured under a compression moulding machine under constant pressure. The overall thickness of the specimen is maintained constant for 2 mm. The samples were subjected to a three-point bending and tensile test as per ASTM D790 and ASTM D3039 standards, respectively, to evaluate their mechanical properties. The results indicate that the tensile strength of the composites is maximum for the specimen with aluminium 2024 T3 face sheet with a minimum thickness of 0.2 mm; however, with the increase in the thickness, the tensile strength is found to be decreasing.

KEYWORDS:

• GLARE laminates
• flexural
• tensile
• mechanical properties
• mechanical testing
• SEM

Data Availability Statement

No data will be shared/no associated data.

As this paper is a part of my Ph.D. Research work, I do not want to publicise the results until the paper gets published.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Harish Kumar M

Mr Harish Kumar M, Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical and Automobile Engineering, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), BangaloreDiploma in Mechanical Engineering from P.V.P Polytechnic, DTE. Bachelor of Automobile Engineering from PDA College of Engineering, Gulbarga, Visveswaraya Technological University and Master’s Degree from Visveswaraya Technological University centre for Post-graduation Studies, Bangalore, Visveswaraya Technological University. Pursuing PhD degree from VTU, in the area of impact characteristics of composite laminates.His research interests include impact characterization and machining effects on composite laminates. Mr Harish has published 7 papers in reputed peer-reviewed journals and international conferences.

N. Rajesh Mathivanan

Dr N. Rajesh Mathivanan, Professor, Chairperson and Domain Head,Department of Mechanical Engineering, PES Institute of Technology, BangaloreBachelor of Mechanical Engineering from PES Institute of Technology, Bangalore University and Masters Degree from BMS College of Engineering, Bangalore, Visveswaraya Technological University. He received his PhD. degree from National Institute of Technology (NIT), Tiruchirappalli during 2011 in the area of impact characteristics of composite laminates.He started his career as Graduate Engineer Trainee at Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML). He joined PESIT as a lecturer in 2000 and presently holding a position as Professor and Domain Head of Advanced Composite Research Centre (ACRC) in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, PES University.He is the faculty advisor of Team HAYA, the racing car team of PES and he is also the faculty integrator of PACE activities.His research interests include product development, impact characterization and machining effects on composite laminates. Dr Rajesh has published more than 30 papers in reputed peer-reviewed journals and international conferences. He has also reviewed many papers for reputed journals and been on the doctoral committee for Ph. D. Candidates of various Universities.