Study of Open Hole Tensile Behaviour using Synthetic-Natural Hybrid Composites

Abstract

In this study, we focus on the hybrid composite design for the increased open hole performance and to evaluate the inter-ply hybridization effects on open hole failure mechanisms. The purpose of this project is to design a low-cost hybrid composite with the increased durability and performance under tensile loadings. Hole is been introduced in the samples because there are holes in the automotive industry and aerospace industry for the purpose of bolted joints and inspection. For this purpose, vacuum bagging technique to manufacture the composite plates which are then cut out with band saw machines according to the ASTM standard D5766 for the testing. Then samples are been tested on the UTM along with the Digital Image Correlation performed for the contours of deformation to evaluate the critical point for the stress concentration during the loading. In addition, Optical Microscopy is performed to evaluate the fiber delamination (failure) during the loading. Then critical portion of the fractured samples are evaluated through SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) for the evaluation of crack propagation during the entire curve. Load deformation curve through UTM reveals that hybrid sample HCBBC exhibit the ductile behavior which prevents crack propagation and hence great performance and durability in comparison to other configurations Pure carbon, Pure Basalt and HBCCB.