FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS ON COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH

OF STIFFENED GFRP PANEL’S

A PROJECT REPORT

Submitted by

BALA CHANDAR.K (14101038)

MATHAN KUMAR.E (15101239)

in partial fulfillment for the award of the degree

of
BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY
in
AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING

SCHOOL OF AERONAUTICAL SCIENCES

HINDUSTAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY AND SCIENCE
PADUR, CHENNAI - 603 103.
APIRL 2019
 BONAFIDE CERTIFICATE

Certified that this project titled “FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS ON

COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF STIFFENED GFRP PANEL’S”, is the
bonafide work of “BALA CHANDAR.K (14101038), MATHAN KUMAR.E
(15101239)” who carried out the project work under my supervision. Certified
further that to the best of my knowledge the work reported here does not form part
of any other project / research work on the basis of which a degree or award was
conferred on an earlier occasion on this or any other candidate.

HEAD OF THE DEPATMENT SUPERVISOR

Dr. R Ashokan ,PhD Dr.S.Santhanakrishnan ,Phd
School of Aeronautical science School of Aeronautical science
Hindustan Institute of Technology Hindustan Institute of technology
and Science, Padur and Science, Padur

The Project Viva-Voce Examination is held on _____________

INTERNAL EXAMINER EXTERNAL EXAMINER

 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like to place on record my sincere thanks and gratitude to Dr.

ELIZABETH VERGHESE, Chancellor of Hindustan Institute of Technology and
Science for her endeavor in educating me in her esteemed institute which has
helped me work towards my goal.

I also express my sincere thanks to Dr. K. P ISAAC, Vice Chancellor, Hindustan

Institute of Technology and Science and to Mr. ASHOK VERGHESE, Director
of Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science.

We would extend our heart full and deepest thanks to Prof Dr.ashokan,,HOD
Aeronautical Department for giving us his kind and able support. At this occasion
we must emphasize that this project would have not been possible without the
highly informative and valuable guidance by our faculty
Mr.S.SANTHANAKRISHNAN for his guidance and correction of various
documents of mine with attention and care. He has taken pain to go through the
project and make necessary corrections when needed.

We express our thanks to the instructor for extending his support, vast knowledge
and experience which has made us to do this project with ease and perfection. We
have the great pleasure in expressing our sincere whole hearted thanks to him.
TABLE OF CONTENT

CHAPT TITLE PAG

ER NO E
NO.

List of Abbreviations
List of Figures
Abstract

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 COMPOSITE MATERIALS

1.1.1 Introduction
1.1.2 History of composites
1.1.3 Classification of composite materials
1.1.3.1 Layered composite’s
1.1.3.2 Laminar composite’s
1.1.3.3 Hybrid composite’s
1.1.3.4 Fiber reinforced composite’s
1.1.4 Advantages of composites
1.1.5 Disadvantages of composites
 1.2 APPLICATION OF COMPOSITES
1.3 REINFORCEMENTS
1.3.1 Manufacturing processes of reinforcements
1.4 STIFFENED COMPOSITE PANELS
1.5 CONSTITUENTS
1.5.1 Resin
1.5.2 Fiber
1.6 FABRICATION METHOD
1.6.1 Mould overview
1.6.2 Vaccum bag moulding
1.6.3 Pressure bag moulding
1.6.4 Autoclave moulding
1.6.5 resin transfer moulding
1.7 PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF COMPOSITES
1.8 FAILURE MODES OF COMPOSITE STRUCTURE
1.8.1 Tensile failure
1.8.2 Compressive failure
1.8.3 Crimping and wrinkling
1.8.4 General buckling

2 LITERATURE REVIEW

3 MATERIAL TESTING PROGRAM

 3.1 INTRODUCTION
3.2 FABRICATION
3.3 SPECIMEN PREPARATION
3.4 TESTING

4 WORK DONE

4.1 MATERIAL SELECTION

4.1.1 GLASS FIBERS
4.1.5 RESIN-ARALDITE GY257
4.1.6 HARDENE R - ARADUR 2963
4.2 FABRICA TION
4.2.1 Hand layup
4.2.2 Main Advantages
4.2.3 Main Disadvantages
4.3 CUTTING
4.4 TESTING OF SPECIMEN
4.4.1 ANSYS composite prepost
4.4.2 Tensile testing

6 RESULT ANALYSIS
7 CONCLUSION

8 FUTURE ENHANCEMENT

References
Appendices
 LIST OF SYMBOLS AND ABBREVIATIONS

SYMBOL DEFINITION

A Aspect ratio

a,b Regression line constants

A,B Regression line constants

c,d Regression line constants

C Fuel fraction parameter

cf Equivalent skin friction coefficient

CD Drag coefficient

E Endurance

k number between 0 and 1

ki constant

ka constant

lp factor in 𝑘𝑎
LIST OF FIGURES
 ABSTRACT

The use of stiffened composite panels have increased over last few years in
engineering applications due to its high strength to weight ratio and high
stiffness. Generally stiffened plates are exposed to in plane compressive
loading causing structural failure. The present study is a finite elemental
analysis by software ANSYS -- Workbench with a view to analysis of the
compressive behaviour of stiffened composite panels. Investigations were
made on the effect of stiffener configuration on the performance of the panel
when subjected to inplane compressive loading.
 CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

Due to many advantages like light weight, improved stability, high strength,
good damage tolerance etc., Composite materials have been generously used in
aerospace engineering. Composite material is defined as the combination of two or
more materials in a macroscopic level in order to achieve the desired entity. The
major two constituents of composites are reinforcement and matrix. The
reinforcements are the major load carrying member and the matrix phaseholds the
entire structure and also it transfers loads. Based upon the reinforcements,
Composite materials have various classifications among which the laminates have
greater applications due to its unique properties. A laminate is composed of any
fiber as reinforcement (in the form of lamina) impregnated into the resin matrix.

1.1 Composite Materials

Composite Materials are materials made from two or more constituent materials
with sigficantly different physical or chemical properties, that when combined,
produce a material with characteristics different from the individual components.
The individual components remain separate and distinct within the finished
structure. The new material may be preferred for many reasons: common examples
include materials which are stronger, lighter, and less expensive when compared to
traditional materials.
Typical engineered composite materials include:

 Composite building materials such as cements, concrete.

 Reinforced plastics such as fiber - reinforced polymer

 Metal Composites

 Ceramic Composites (composite ceramics and metal matrices)

Composite Materials are generally used for buildings, bridges and structures such
as boat hulls, swimming pool panels, race car bodies, storage tanks etc. The most
advanced examples perform routinely on spacecraft in demanding environments

1.1.2 History of Composites

Although the concept of composite materials is fairly new, they have been in
use for millennia. The most primitive application is mud and straw bricks. A cake
of dried mud is easy to break by applying a tensile force on one edge via bending.
However, mud can still make a good strong wall where all the forces are
compressive. A piece of straw, on the other hand, has a lot of strength when it is
stretched but almost no strength when it is crumpled up. If pieces of straw were
embedded in a block of mud and allowed to dry hard, the resulting mud / straw
brick resists both squeezing and tearing and makes an excellent building material.
Put more technically, it has both good compressive strength and good tensile
strength. In terms of matrix / reinforcement constituents, the reinforcement
material is the straw, while the mud is the matrix. This is probably the earliest
example of a fiber-reinforced composite.
 Composites also exist in nature, for example, wood. Wood has long fibers of
cellulose that are held together by a much weaker substance called lignin.
Cellulose is also found in cotton and linen, but it is the binding power of the lignin
that makes a piece of timber much stronger than a bundle of cotton fibers. An
example of a particulate-filled composite is concrete. The particulate-filler is small
stones or gravel, and this is bound together by cement, which acts as the matrix.
Concrete has good compression strength but lacks any beneficial tensile properties.
To overcome this deficiency, reinforcement in the form of steel rods is added to
produce reinforced concrete. The steel rods have excellent tensile properties with
low compressive capabilities. However, the combination of steel rods in concrete
results in a structure that has both good compressive and tensile properties.
Modern composites consist of more advanced materials than these primitive
examples. However the basic concept of a matrix and reinforcement remains
unchanged. Of the many types of modern composite materials, the most commonly
used is fiber-reinforced plastics (FRP) An FRP is typically organized as a
laminated structure consisting of layers of unidirectional fiber or woven fiber
fabric reinforcement that is embedded within a polymer matrix material

1.1.3 Classification of Composite Materials

A combination of two or more materials (reinforcement, resin, filler, etc.),

differing in form or composition on a macro scale. The constituents retain their
identities, i.e. they do not dissolve or merge into each other, although they act in
concert. Normally, the components can be physically identified and exhibit an
interface between each other.
 A composite material is formed by the combination of two or more materials
that have different properties. These different materials work together to give the
overall enhanced properties that are better than those of the separate constituent
parts. The argument now would be that a composite material is similar to an alloy.
This, however, is not the case because in an alloy the different materials or
constituents dissolve or blend into each other to form the final material. In the final
alloy the different materials are indistinguishable. In a composite, on the other
hand, the different materials do not dissolve or blend into each other and can be
easily distinguished from one another.
A composite material is made up of two basic constituents, namely, a matrix
and the reinforcement. The reinforcement is usually the constituent that provides
the composite with its strength. It can be either in particulate form or fibers. The
matrix is the constituent that surrounds and binds the reinforcement as well as
serves the protection against damage It also aids in the distribution of the applied
load to the reinforcement.
Though there are various ways of classifying composite materials, the
simplest and in broadest sense they may be classified as
Natural, and
Synthetic or Man-Made.
The composites that occur in nature are called naturally occurring
composites.Majority of composite materials used today are man-made. The
microstructure of the man-made composites provides a convenient basis for
classifying them for the purpose of study, processing and analysis.
Based on the matrix phase used are divided into three categories
a) Polymer-Matrix composites (PMCs).
b) Metal-Matrix composites (MMCs).
c) Ceramic-Matrix composites (CMCs).
Based on the geometry of the reinforcement, they are classified as:
a) Fibrous,
b) Particulate, and
c) Flakes composites
a) Layered Composites

1.1.3.1 Layered Composites : Layered composites composed of two or more

different layers (called lamina) or sheets bonded together. The layers can differ in
material (as in clad metals and bimetallic materials), form (as in sandwich
materials such as honeycombs in which the core and facing material may or may
not differ in form), and orientation (as in plywood in which the layers are the same
but have different orientation of fibers).

1.1.3.2 Laminar Composites: Of all the composites consciously devised the

laminar type is by far the oldest. It differs from the other types in that its
distinguish characteristic, the presence of layers, usually becomes evident at a
grosser level of perception,. Since it is dimensionally of a higher order of
magnitude, it is not surprising that is constituents may themselves be composites,.
laminar composites have special appeal because , being made of films or sheets as
they so often are, they are easier to design, produce, standardize , and control than
other types of composites .
Many standard types have been developed to provide desirable combinations
of bulk and surface properties. Perhaps the single most successful application of
the laminar principle has been the development of sandwich materials. The most
ingenious applications are undoubtedly the custom components that are carefully
built up of varied layers to meet specific requirements.

1.1.3.3 Hybrid Composites: A hybrid composite comprises more than one

type of fiber reinforcement or particulate or one or more matrices or a combination
of both. Foils or sheets or their combination along with fibers are also accepted as
hybrid composites in addition to the combination of fibers, particulate, composites,
or combinations of different particulate composites
Hybrid composites, which combine two or more different fibers in a
common matrix, greatly expand the range of properties that can be achieved with
advanced composites. Generally,”hybrid” applies to advanced composites and
refers to use of various combinations of continuous graphite, boron, Kevlar, or
glass filaments in either thermoses or thermoplastic matrixes. Combining
continuous and chopped fibers in a common matrix also qualifies the material as a
hybrid composite. Hybrids have unique features that can be used to meet diverse
and competing design requirements in a more cost-effective way than either
advanced or conventional composites. Some of the specific advantages of hybrids
over conventional composites are balanced strength and stiffness, balanced
bending and membrane mechanical properties, balanced thermal-distortion
stability, reduced weight and/or cost, improved fatigue resistance; reduced notch
sensitivity improved fracture toughness and/or crack-arresting properties, and
improved impact resistance.
 Figure 1.1 Types of composites

Some of the specific advantage of hybrids over conventional composites are

balanced strength and stiffness, balanced bonding and membrane mechanical
properties, delay in damage on impact, greater energy absorption, breakage of
structural materials, balanced thermal distortion stability, reduced weight and/or
cost, improved fatigue resistance, reduced notch sensitivity, improved fracture
toughness and/or crack arresting properties, and improved impact resistance

1.1.3.4 Fiber reinforced hybrid composite materials

Recently, natural fibers have been used as fillers and reinforcements in low
melting point thermosetting plastics. When added to thermosetting plastics,
enhance mechanical properties such as stiffness, strength, and heat deflection
under load. Having low densities compared with conventional inorganic fillers and
reinforcements, these fibers are often used in automotive and packaging
applications where the relatively low density of the natural fibers is a major
advantage.
The limited fracture toughness of natural fiber reinforced thermosetting
plastics at high strain rates can prevent their use in some applications. To
understand and ultimately improve the fracture performance of these composites, it
is necessary to have a thorough understanding of the composite and how it relates
to fracture toughness.
Some of the specific advantage of hybrids over conventional composites are
balanced strength and stiffness, balanced bonding and membrane mechanical
properties, delay in damage on impact, greater energy absorption, breakage of
structural materials, balanced thermal distortion stability, reduced weight and/or
cost, improved fatigue resistance, reduced notch sensitivity, improved fracture
toughness and/or crack arresting properties, and improved impact resistance

1.1.4 Advantages of Composite Material

Composites have many advantages over other materials. They are stronger
and stiffer than metals on a density basis, or in other words, they have superior
stiffness-to-weight ratios. Composites can be custom designed. Metals and metal
alloys have isotropic characteristics i.e. the material properties are the same in all
directions. Composites, on the other hand, can have very selective directional
properties to meet specific application needs. Parts that were formerly assembled
out of several smaller metallic components can be fabricated into a larger single
part, thus reducing manufacturing costs.
Composites have inherent characteristics that allow production to be
established for a small fraction of the cost that would be required in metallic
fabrication. Composite structures also exhibit high corrosion resistance and
outstanding durability. They can be designed to resist degradation in extremely
harsh and corrosive environments. These materials have exhibited apparent infinite
life characteristics. Some other advantages include high continuous operating
temperatures, low radar detection, and good electrical properties.
The goal in creating the composite is to combine similar or dissimilar
materials in order to develop specific properties that are related to desired
characteristics. Since composite can be designed to provide and almostunlimited
selection of characteristics, they are employed practically in all industries.
Figure shows schematic representation of brittle fiber, ductile matrix and
combined effect of composites to obtain the properties and advantages stated
above.
 Fiber

Stress Composite

Matrix

Strain

Figure 1.2 Stress strain curves for fiber matrix and composites

1.1.4 Advantages of Composites Materials:

 High resistance to fatigue and corrosion degradation.
 High strength or stiffness to weight ratio.
 High resistance to impact damage.
 Close tolerance can be achieved without machining..
 Improved friction and wear properties.
 Due to greater reliability, there are fewer inspection and structural repairs.
 Raw materials for PMC’s are easily available and hence can be produced at lower
cost, if only large scale is ensured.
 Flexibility of Design Options
1.1.5 Disadvantages of Composites Material:

Analysis is difficult.
Matrix is weak, low toughness and difficult to attach
Transverse properties may be weak.
Reuse and disposable may be difficult.
Cost of raw material may be high.
Actual Mechanical Properties not Always as Good as Expected
Mechanical Properties Very Process Dependent
Temperature Limitations

1.2 Applications of Composites:

Transport applications: They are used in Suspension systems of the eureka 841
Euro bogie project where composites are used to provide the train suspension
system, either as a subcomponent spring element or as a complete bogie.
Regenerative braking flywheel energy storage system. It is development of a
hybrid electric vehicle incorporating a composite flywheel. It provides a power
buffer to protect the battery in a regenerative braking drive train
Aerospace applications: Where reduced weight reduces operating costs
significantly. Truss structures, wings, fuselage structures, landing gear door,
nose cone and leading edge of the space craft
 Automotives applications: Pistons, brakes, camshafts, rocket arm, carriage bar,
bumper systems, doors, moldings
Industrial applications: Sandwich materials can cover a large span without
collapsing under their own weight making composites ideal for industrial and
commercial construction.
Marine applications: Tension leg platform of off-shoe platform for petroleum
explorations, pressure capsule and outer hull of deep sea operating vehicle. These
light weight materials used in bulkheads and decks in shipbuilding reduce weight
above the waterline, minimizing the tendency of the ship to roll in heavy seas.

1.3 Reinforcements:
Reinforcements need not necessarily be in the form of long fibers have them
in the form of particles, flakes, whiskers, short fibers, continuous fibers, or sheets.
It turns out that most reinforcements used in composites have a fibrous form
because materials are stronger and stiffer in that form than in any other form.
Specifically, in this category, we interested in the so-called advanced fibers, which
possess very high and very high stiffness coupled with a very low density

1.3.1 Manufacturing processes of Reinforcements

Individual fibers or fiber bundles can only be used on their own in a few
processes such as filament winding. For most other applications, sheets and the
variety of fiber orientations possible lead to there being many different types of
fabrics, each of which has its own characteristics.
 [From de Lamotte and Perry (1970) used with permission]
Figure 1.7 Decrease in Strength of carbon fiber with increase in Diameter (4)

A Carbon Fiber is a fibrous carbon material having a micro graphite crystal

structure made by fibrillation of Acrylic resin, a well known textile material, or
from oil/coal pitch and then by being given a certain heat treatment.
Carbon fibers, tiny black strands, are shown in Figure 1.5

Figure 1.7b A spool of carbon fibers

Carbon Fiber is composed of carbon atoms by more than 90%. These carbon
atoms are lighter than any metal atoms. Beautifully shining diamonds, Bincho-
Charcoal, activated charcoal and graphite belong to the group of materials
composed of carbon atoms, and in fact Carbon Fiber also belongs to this group and
has similar properties to diamond. Diamond is the hardest and strongest material in
the world, whereas it is known that graphite is soft and slippery. The reason for this
difference is said to come from difference in crystal structure. Bincho-Charcoal
and the like are soft and slippery because of their complicated irregular structure,
whereas diamonds are very strong because of regular and orderly structure.
Diamonds have 3D structure of carbon atoms, and Carbon Fibers have 2D mesh
structure (like meshes of henhouses) with carbon atoms orderly lined up to fiber
direction and entwine together. Furthermore, we can say that they are strong as
they are manufactured very carefully without having foreign materials or defects
with them.

Aramid: A high strength, high stiffness fiber derived from polyamide. Kevlar R°
and Nomex R° are examples of aramids.

Fiberglass: Filaments made by drawing molten glass, commonly used to reinforce

composite materials.

Woven mats: For applications where more than one fiber orientation is required, a
fabric combining 0◦ and 90◦ fiber orientations is useful.
Woven fabrics, see 1.6(c) , are produced by the interlacing of warp (0◦) fibers and
weft (90◦) fibers in a regular pattern or weave style. The fabric’s integrity is
maintained by the mechanical interlocking of the fibers. Drape (the ability of a
fabric to conform to a complex surface), surface smoothness and stability of a
fabric are controlled primarily by the weave style.

Filament winding: This is the automated process of wrapping resin-impregnated

filaments; see Figure 1.6a, (ravings or tows) in a geometric pattern over a rotating
male mandrel. The component is then cured under high pressure and temperature.
Rovings: Rovings consist of one or more glass strands made up of varying
numbers of continuous glass fibers of a specific filament diameter. These fibers are
coated with a sizing designed to protect the fiber during processing and to couple
with the customer’s resin to optimize laminate performance.

Figure 1.8 (a) Figure 1.8(b) Figure

1.8 (c)

Roving: the most common form of glass, can be chopped, woven or processed to
create secondary fiber forms for composite manufacturing, such as mats, woven
fabrics, braids, knitted fabrics and hybrid fabrics. Rovings are supplied by weight,
with a specified filament diameter. The term yield is commonly used to indicate
the number of yards in each pound of glass fiber rovings.

Mats: Mats are non-woven fabrics that provide isotropic or equal strength in all
directions. They come in two distinct forms: chopped and continuous strand.
Chopped mats contain randomly distributed fibers cut to lengths typically ranging
from 1.5 to 2.5 inches and held together with a chemical binder. Inherently weaker
than continuous-strand mats, chopped-strand mats provide low-cost polymer
reinforcement primarily in hand layup; continuous laminating and some closed
molding applications.

Chopped Strand Mat: The chopped strand mats, see Figure 1.6(b), are made from
cut fibers laid in a random pattern and bonded with a powdered, highly soluble
resin binder. Continuous Filament Mat: In a different production step, strands
formed below the bushings are treated with a binder and formed into a swirl
pattern to make continuous filament mat.

1.3.2 Fiber Reinforced Plastics

FRP composites have found applications in the aerospace, automotive and

construction industries. In the aerospace industry, applications range from wall and
floor panels to the fuselage [31]. A recent example would be the Airbus A380,
which comprises of approximately 20 – 22 % of composites [31]. These include
the front fairing, upper fuselage shells, crown and side panels, and the upper
sections of the forward and aft upper fuselage. Also the top and bottom skin
panels, the front, centre and rear spars, the rear pressure bulkhead, the upper deck
floor beams,and the ailerons, spoilers and outer flaps. The A320 is the first
subsonic aircraft to incorporate composite structures in the fuselage [31]. These
structures comprise of Aramid Fiber (AFRP), Glass Fiber (GFRP) and Carbon
Fiber (CFRP) Reinforced Plastics.
Other applications in the aerospace industry include wall and floor panels,
pack boards, instrument panels, dividers and bulkheads, EMI-shielded panels,
racks and enclosures, ducting, and, decorative panels and trims [31]. Composites
are even used in the space shuttle in the nose cap and wing leading edges where re-
entry temperatures exceed 1260 °C [31]. In the aerospace industry, performance
demands justify the high costs. However, FRP structurescan no longer be
considered as exotic materials suitable only for these niche applications.
Everyday applications are as diverse as automobile bodies and civil
infrastructure. In the automotive industry composites are used in bumpers, rear
seats, centre consoles and door panels. Certain body panels are also manufactured
from composite materials. Fiber reinforced plastics have benefits of light weight
and high strength that make it attractive for strengthening existing concrete bridge
structures. FRP can be wrapped like wallpaper around bridge columns and beams
to provide additional reinforcement to increase earthquake resistance, durability,
and corrosion resistance [31]. This technique has been used by Fiber wrap
Construction Inc. of Los Angeles, California, USA for a seismic retrofit of the
ArroyoSecoBridge which is located in Pasadena, California, USA [31]. The
bridge’s concrete columns were wrapped with glass fiber and aramid-fiber
reinforced epoxy composite.
The low-profile composite jackets had a final thickness of less than 19 mm,
yet provided strength comparable to that of a full-scale steel jacketing. Other
applications of FRP composites include swimming pools [31], satellite components
(Figure 1.3 a), flexible ducting (Figure 1.3 b) and rigid ducting (Figure 1.3 c),
covers, shafts on golf clubs, hulls for luxury boats, and many more.
 Figure 1.6 (a) Figure 1.6 (b)

Figure 1.6 (c)

FRP applications: (a) S-band transmitter for satellite component

(b) Flexible ducting and
(c) Rigid ducting
The properties of an FRP composite depend on the choice of fiber
reinforcement and matrix Materials. The matrix is usually a polymer resin or
plastic which is either thermosetting or
Thermoplastics

1.4 STIFFENED COMPOSITE PANELS

The basic structure of a stiffened panel comprises of a base plate with

longitudinal stiffeners running either in one or more direction. The main purpose of
the vertical stiffeners are to improve the compressive strength of the panel and also
it has a greater impact on buckling, Stiffened composite panels are typical
structures that are specially designed for aircrafts, spacecraft, ship hull etc.,

Fig 1.8 Stiffened Composite Panel.

1.5 CONSTITUENTS :

1.5.1 Resin
Typically, most common polymer-based composite materials including fiberglass
carbon fiber, and Kevlar, include at least two parts, the substrate and the resin.

Polyester resin tends to have yellowish tint, and is suitable for most backyard
projects. Its weaknesses are that it is UV sensitive and can tend to degrade over
time, and thus generally is also coated to help preserve it. It is often used in the
making of surfboards and for marine applications. Its hardener is a peroxide, often
MEKP (methyl ethyl ketone peroxide). When the peroxide is mixed with the resin,
it decomposes to generate free radicals, which initiate and not re-appear unchanged
at the end of the reaction, they do not fit the strictest chemical definition of a
catalyst.

Vinylester resin tends to have a purplish to bluish to greenish tint. This resin has
lower viscosity than polyester resin, and is more transparent. This resin is often
billed as being fuel resistant but will melt in contact with gasoline. This resin tends
to be more resistant over time to degradation than polyester resin (at a similar mix
ratio) and the cost is approximately the same.

Epoxy resin is almost totally transparent when cured. In the aerospace industry,
epoxy is used structural matrix material or as a structural glue

1.5.2 Fiber

Reinforcement usually adds rigidity and greatly impedes crack propagation. Thin
fibers can have very high strength, and provided they are mechanically well
attached to the matrix they can greatly improve the composite's overall properties

Fiber-reinforced composite materials can be divided into two main categories

normally referred to as short fiber-reinforced materials and continuous fiber-
reinforced materials. Continuous reinforced materials will often constitute a
layered or laminated structure. The woven and continuous fiber styles are typically
available 65Sle in a variety of forms, being pre-impregnated with the given matrix
(resin), dry, uni-directional tapes of various widths, plain weave, harness satins,
braided, and stitched.
The short and long fibers are typically employed in compression moulding and
sheet moulding operations. These come in the form of flakes, chips, and random
mate (which can also be made from a continuous fiber laid in random fashion until
the desired thickness of the ply/laminate is achieved). Common fibers used for
reinforcement include glass fibers, carbon fibers, cellulose for reinforcement
include glass fibers, carbon (wood/paper fiber and straw) and high strength
polymers for example aramid.

1.6 FABRICATION METHODS

Fabrication of composite materials is accomplished by a large kind of techniques,

including:

• Advanced fiber placement (Automated fiber placement)

• Tailored fiber placement

• Fiberglass spray lay-up process

• Filament winding

• Lanxide process

• Tufting

• Z-pinning
Composite fabrication typically involves wetting, combination or saturating the
reinforcement with the matrix, and so inflicting the matrix to bind along (with heat
or a chemical reaction) into a rigid structure. The operation is sometimes done in
an open or closed forming mould, however the order and ways that of introducing
the ingredients varies significantly.

1.6.1 Mould overview

Within a mould, the reinforcing and matrix materials are combined, compacted and
cured (processed) to bear a melding event. Once the melding event, the half form is
basically set though it will deform below method conditions. For a thermoset
compound matrix material, the melding event may be a natural process reaction
that's initiated by the applying of further heat or chemical reactivity like organic
peroxide. For a thermoplastic compound matrix material, the melding event is
curing from the liquefied state. For a fabric like metal foil, the melding event may
be a fusing at high and temperature close to the temperature.

For many moulding methods, it's convenient to sit down with one mould piece as a
"lower" mould and another mould piece as an "upper" mould. Lower and upper
refer to the various faces of the moulded panel, not the mould's configuration in
space. During this convention, there's continuously a lower mould, and typically a
higher mould. Half construction begins by applying materials to the lower mould.
Lower mould and higher mould area unit a lot of generalized than a lot of common
and specific terms like male side, female facet, a-side, b- tool side, bowl, hat,
mandrel, etc. Continuous manufacturing uses a distinct descriptors an.The moulded
product is usually stated as a panel. For certain geometries and material
combinations, it is referred to as a casting.

1.6.2 Vacuum bag moulding

Vacuum bag moulding uses a versatile film to surround the half and seal it from
outside air. A vacuum is then drawn on the vacuum bag and air pressure
compresses the part throughout the cure. Vacuum bag material is obtainable in an
exceedingly tube shape or a sheet of fabric. a tube is used bag is employed, the
complete half is enclosed among the bag. Once victimization sacking materials, the
sides of the bag area unit sealed against the sides of the surface to surround the half
against an air-tight mould. Once bagged during this means, the may be a rigid
structure and therefore the side of the half is created by the versatile membrane
vacuum bag. The versatile membrane can be reusable silicone|siloxane|polymer}
material or an extruded polymer film. Once sealing the half within the bag, a
vacuum is drawn on the half throughout cure. This method is performed at either
close or elevate temperature with close air pressure acting upon the bag. A pump is
usually used to draw a vacuum.

A vacuum bag may be a bag fabricated from robust rubber-coated cloth or a

polymer film wont to compress the half throughout cure or hardening. In some
applications the bag encloses the complete material, or in alternative applications a
mould is employed to create one face of the laminate with the bag being one layer
to seal to the outer edge of the mould face. As a result, uniform pressure
approaching one atmosphere is applied to the surfaces of the item within the bag,
holding components along whereas the adhesive cures. The complete bag is also
placed in an exceedingly temperature-controlled oven, oil bath or water bath and
gently heated to accelerate natural process

Vacuum bagging is wide employed in the composites industry as well Carbon fiber
cloth and fiberglass, in conjunction with resins and epoxies are common materials
laminated together with a vacuum bag operation.

1.6.3 Pressure bag molding

This method is said to vacuum bag molding the same an equivalent way because it
sounds. A solid feminine mould with only enough resin to permit the fabric to stick
in situ (wet layup). A feminine female is used in conjunction with a versatile male
mildew. The reinforcement is placed within the measured quantity of rosin is then
munificently brushed indiscriminately into the mould and therefore the mould is
then clamped to a machine that contains the male versatile mould. The flexible
male membrane is then inflated with heated compressed gas or probably steam.
The even be heated. Excess rosin is forced out along with trapped air. This method
is extensively employed in the assembly of composite helmets thanks to the lower
price of unskilled labour. Cycle times for a helmet bag moulding machine vary
from twenty to forty five minutes, however the finished shells need no more
natural process if the molds are heated.
1.6.4 Autoclave moulding

A method employing a two-sided mould set that forms each surfaces of the panel.
On the lower aspect may be a rigid mould associated on the top side may be a
versatile membrane made up of compound|siloxane|polymer} or an extruded
polymer film like nylon. Reinforcement materials is placed manually or
robotically. They include continuous fiber forms fashioned into textile
constructions. Most often, they're pre-impregnated with the organic compound
within the kind of prepreg materials or unidirectional tapes. In some instances, a
organic compound film is placed upon the lower mould and dry reinforcement is
placed on top of. The higher mould is put in and vacuum is applied to the mould
cavity. The assembly is placed into associate autoclave. This method is mostly
performed at each elevated pressure and elevated temperature. the employment of
elevated pressure facilitates a high fiber volume fraction and low void content for
optimum structural efficiency.

1.6.5 Resin transfer moulding (RTM)

RTM may be a method employing a rigid two-sided mould set that forms each
surfaces of the panel. The mould is usually made from metal or steel, however
composite molds ar typically used. the 2 sides match along to supply a mould
cavity. The distinctive feature of resin transfer moulding is that the reinforcement
materials are placed into this cavity and therefore the mould set is closed before the
introduction of matrix material. Organic compound transfer moulding includes
various varieties that differ within the mechanics of however the organic
compound is introduced to the reinforcement within the mould cavity. These
variations embrace everything from the RTM strategies utilized in out of autoclave
composite producing for high-tech part parts to vacuum infusion to vacuum motor-
assisted resin transfer moulding (VARTM). This method is performed at either
close or elevated temperature.

1.7 Physical properties of composites

The physical properties of composite materials ar usually not isotropic

(independent of direction of applied force) in nature, however rather are usually
anisotropic (different betting on the direction of the applied force or load). as an
example, the stiffness of a composite panel can usually depend on the orientation
of the applied forces and/or moments. Panel stiffness obsessed with the look of the
panel. As an example, the fiber reinforcement and matrix used, the tactic of panel
build, thermosetting vs thermoplastic, and style of weave and orientation of fiber
axis to the first force.

In distinction, isotropic materials (for example, metal or steel), in commonplace

formed forms, usually have an equivalent stiffness no matter the directional
orientation of the applied forces and/or moments.

The relationship between forces/moments and strains/curvatures for an isotropic

material will delineated with the following material properties: modulus of
elasticity, the shear Modulus and the Poisson's ratio, in comparatively simple
mathematical relationships. For the anisotropic material, it needs the arithmetic of
a second order tensor and up to twenty one material case of orthogonal property,
there are 3 completely different material property constants for every of modulus
of elasticity, Shear Modulus and Poisson's ratio-a total of nine constants to explain
the connection between forces/moments and strains/curvatures

Techniques that profit of the anisotropic properties of the materials include mortise
and tenon joints (in natural composites like wood) and Pi Joints in synthetic
composites).

Techniques that take advantage of the anisotropic properties of the materials

include mortise and Tenon joints (in natural composites such as wood) and Pi
Joints in synthetic composites).

1.8 Failure

Shock, impact, or continual cyclic stresses will cause the laminate to separate at the
interface between 2 layers, a condition called delamination. Individual fibers will
break free the matrix e.g. fiber pull-out. Composites will fail on the microscopic or
macroscopic scale. Compression failures will occur at each the macro scale or at
every individual reinforcing fiber in compression buckling. Tension failures is net
section failures of the part or degradation of the composite at a microscopic scale
wherever one or a lot of the layers within the composite fail in tension of the
matrix or failure of the bond between the matrix and fibers. Some composites are
brittle and have very little reserve strength on the far side the initial onset of failure
whereas others might have massive deformations and have reserve energy
engrossing capability past the onset of injury. The variations in fibers and matrices
that are obtainable and therefore the mixtures that may be created with blends
leave a very broad vary of properties that may be designed into a composite
structure. The most effective known failure of a brittle ceramic matrix Composite
occurred once the carbon-carbon composite tile on the leading edge of the wing of
the ballistic capsule broken once compact throughout take-off. It cause ruinous
break-up of the vehicle once it re-entered Earth’s atmosphere on one Feb 2003.

Compared to metals, composites have relatively poor bearing strength

1.8.1 FAILURE MODES OF COMPOSITE STRUCTURES

The use of engineered composite structures needs requires insight into the failure
modes that are distinctive to those kinds of materials. Some people say that
composites are "forgiving," while others note that catastrophic failures will be
quite explosive. as a result of laminates area unit designed from distinct plies, it's
essential to grasp however masses area unit "shared" among the plies. it's also
critical to differentiate between resin dominated failures or fiber dominated failures
Armed with a thorough understanding of the various ways in which a structure will
fail makes it possible to design a laminate that may "soften" at the purpose of
potential failure and distribute stress.

Failures in composite structures will be classified as by either "strength" or

"stiffiness" dominated. Strength restricted failures occur once unit stress exceeds
the load carrying capability of the laminate. Stiffness failures result when
displacements exceed the strain limits (elongation to failure) of the laminate.
Tensile failures of composite materials is fairly rare, as filament reinforcements are
strongest in tension on their primary axis. Tensile loading in an off-axis direction is
a totally different story.

Resin and fiber mechanical properties vary wide in tension, thus each must be
studied for stress or strain restricted failure with off-axis loading scenarios.

Compressive failures in composites are probably the hardest to understand or

predict. Failures can occur at a very small-scale, such as compression or buckling
of individual fibers. With sandwich panels, skin wrinkle or the panel itself may
become unstable. Indeed, incipient failure may occur at some load well below an
ultimate failure. Out-of-plane loading, such as hydrostatic force, creates flexural
forces for panels. Classic beam theory would tell us the loaded face is in
compression, the other face is in tension, and the core will experience some shear
stress distribution prole. For three-dimensional panels, predicting through-
thickness stresses is somewhat more problematic. Bending failure modes to
consider include core shear failure; core-to-skin debonds, and skin failures
(tension, compression, and local).

Although composite structures are not subject to corrosion, laminates can sustain
damage from ultraviolet (UV) and elevated temperature exposure. Based on the
number of pioneering FRP recreational craft that are still in service, properly
engineered laminates should survive forty-plus years in service. Lastly, the
performance of composite structures in fibres is often a factor that limits the use of
these materials. Composites are excellent insulators, which tends to confine fires to
the space of origin. However, as an organic material the polymeric resin systems
will burn when exposed to a large enough fire. Tests of various sizes exist to
understand the performance marine composite materials system during shipboard
fires.

1.8.1 Tensile Failures

The tensile behaviour of engineered composite materials is generally characterized

by stress- strain curves, such as those shown in Fig. 4-23. The ASTM Standard
Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics, D 638-84, defines several key
tensile failure terms as follows:

Tensile Strength = maximum tensile strength during test

Strain = the change in length per unit

Yield Point = first point on the stress-strain curve where increased

strain occurs without

increased stress

Elastic limit = the greatest stress that a material can withstand without
permanent

deformation

Modulus of elasticity = The ratio of stress to strain below to proportional limit

Proportional limit = Greatest stress that a material can withstand with linear
behaviour
Tensile tests are usually performed under standard temperature and humidity
conditions and at relatively fast speeds 30 seconds to 5 minutes). Test conditions
can vary greatly from in- service conditions and the designer is cautioned when
using single-point engineering data generated under laboratory test conditions.
Some visible signs of tensile failures in plastics are:

Crazing: Crazes are the first sign of surface tensile failures in thermoplastic
materials and gel coat finishes. Crazes appear as clean hairline fractures extending
from the surface into the composite. Crazes are not true fractures, but instead are
combinations of highly oriented "fibrils" surrounded by voids. Unlike fractures,
highly crazed surfaces can transmit stress.

Water, oils, solvents and the environment can accelerate crazing.

Cracks: Cracking is the result of stress state and environment. Cracks have no
fibrils, and thus cannot transmit stress. Cracks are a result of embrittlement,
sustained elevated temperature, UV, thermal and chemical environments in the
stress or strain. This condition is also termed "stress-cracking."

Stress whitening: This condition is associated with plastic materials that are
stretched near their yield point. The surface takes on a whitish appearance in
regions of high stress
 Fig. 1.3: Graph showing the stress vs strain for a material subjected to tensile
loads.

1.8.2 Compressive Failures

Fig. 1.4: Various Compressive Failure Modes

1.8.3 Crimping and Skin Wrinkling

Shear crimping of the core will occur when the core shear modulus is too low to
transfer load between the skins. When the skins are required to resist the entire
compressive load without help from the core, the panel does not have the required
overall moment of inertia, and will fail along with the core.

Skin wrinkling is a form of local buckling whereupon the skins separate from the
core and buckle on their own. Sandwich skins can wrinkle symmetrically, in a
parallel fashion (anti- symmetric), or one side only. The primary structural function
of the skin-to-core interface in sandwich laminates is to transfer shear stress
between the skins and the core. This bond relies on chemical and mechanical
phenomena. A breakdown of this bond and/or buckling instability of the skins
themselves (too soft or too thin) can cause skin wrinkling.

1.8.4 General Buckling

Formulas for predicting general or panel buckling are presented in Chapter Three.
As hull panels are generally sized to resist hydrodynamic loads, panel buckling
usually occurs in decks or bulkheads. Transversely-framed decks may be more
than adequate to resist normal loads, while still being susceptible to global, hull
girder compressive loads resulting from longitudinal bending moments.

Bulkhead scantling development, especially with multi-deck ships, requires careful

attention to anticipated in-plane loading. Superposition methods can be used when
analyzing the case of combined in-plane and out-o-plane loads. This scenario
would obviously produce buckling sooner than with in-plane loading alone.

Article I. The general Euler buckling formula for collapse is:

Fig. 1.5: Critical Length for Euler Buckling Formula Based on End Condition
 CHAPTER 2

LITERATURE REVIEW

1. Experimental study on compressive behavior of GFRP Stiffened panels using

DIC by Naresh Reddy Kolanu et al., Ocean Engineering 114 (2016)9.-302

The objective of this study was to investigate the compressive behavior of

glass fiber reinforced polymer composite panels with stiffener run out condition
and different configurations. They studied three different stiffener configurations
and compared the compressive strength of each panel with the unstiffened GFRP
panels. Special fixture was designed to conduct the compression test on the panels
and Digital Image Correlation (DIC) were used to understand the alteration in
strain field as the damage progresses. Based on the test results they concluded that
unstiffened panel failed through collapse of the panel whereas damage in the
stiffened panel was observed to be by local crushing of the skin followed by local
buckling under compression. They also added that T Stiffeners performed well
when compared to the unstiffened panel and other stiffened panels.
2. Experimental and Analysis of hat-stringer-stiffened composite curved panels
under axial compression by Yomingmo et al., Composite structures 123(2015)
150-160.

An experimental and numerical study on the buckling and post buckling

behavior of hat-stringer-stiffened composite curved panel under axial compression
load was carried out. Several factors like panel radius, skin thickness and adjacent
stiffener thickness were considered. An engineering approach was proposed to
predict the initial buckling and the corresponding Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
was carried out using ABAQUS. Percentage error between both was observed and
they concluded as a good agreement.

3. Numerical Investigation of structural behavior of fiber reinforced polymers

filled stiffened panels by Abubaker Sami Dheyab et al., IJIET, Volume 8, June
2017.

The author presented a numerical study on compressive behavior of FRP

filled stiffened sandwich panel and extended the results to compare with
experimental values. ANSYS APDL Program was used. They have also studied the
effect of thickness of the skin and the types of core used on the behavior of
sandwich panels. Finite Element Analysis had given accurate results of the
behavior of the sandwich panels under the loads.

4. Experimental determination of buckling strength of stiffened plates by sravanthi

et al, IJMPERD, Volume 8, April 2018.

Experimental tests were carried out on unstiffened and stiffened plates made
of GFRP to predict the buckling load. The study considered the buckling of
composite plates clamped free boundary conditions. The authors concluded that Z
type stiffener was effective than J stiffener in terms of performance against
buckling loads.

5. Determination of Effective Width and Effective breadth of stiffened plates by

Finite Element Strip Analysis by X.Wang et al., Thin Walled Structures, Volume
26, 1996.

A finite strip method was presented for a numerical investigation of effective

breadth of stiffened plates.It was not linear method that investigates the post
critical strength of locally buckled structures. An incremental successive iterative
procedure was introduced for an effective numerical analysis.

6) Buckling behaviour of stiffened plate under biaxial compression and shear by

Josephet al,procodia engineering 156(2016) 272-279.

The article gives an overview of buckling proof formats according to EN

1993-1-5 for steel for steel. The introduction of the connection factor V for the
buckling verification of one plate under biaxial compression using the reduced
stress method was targeted and justified for unstiffened panels.

7) Linear buckling analysis and comparative study of unstiffened and stiffened

composite plate.

Ravikumar et al, material today, proceedings 5(2018) 6059-6071.

The research was carried out on a stiffened and unstiffened plates with three
different types of composite materials to predict the buckling load using ANSYS 5
14.0 APDL. Several factors like length to thickness ratio, aspect ratio, different
types of stiffener were considered. After performing several analyses, authors
concluded that [0/90/45/-45] yield the highest load. It has been observed that T
shape stiffened plate sustain maximum buckling load when compared to other
stiffened and unstiffened panels.

With knowledge of the above mentioned papers and other references, the finite
element analysis on compressive strength of stiffened GFRP panels.
 CHAPTER 3

MATERIAL TESTING PROGRAM

3.1 Introduction

The mechanical properties of bi direction GFRP laminates were calculated using

material testing program. The schematic representation of bi directional woven
fabric mat is shown in fig 3.1

Fig 3.1 Glass cloth

The table below represents the properties of the glass cloth used for the study.

Table 3.1 properties of glass cloth

The laminates were fabricated using bi direction glass cloth as reinforcement and
epoxy resin LY556 with hardener HY951 as the matrix phase in the ratio 10:1.

3.2 FABRICATION

Through these are different lay up procedures available, wet lay up method
were preferred for the fabrication of the laminate. A flat was cleaned and spreaded
with wax as releasing agent. Subsequently a coating of resin hardener mixture was
applied in the already mentioned in the ratio .Then the layers were wetted one by
one and then a green mesh was applied over the final lamina which caseies minute
holes through which the excess resin escapes . A polythene sheet was used to cores
and seal the above set up. Maintained a difference in pressure of 8.7 psi between
the set up and the envelope . The clamping procedure extended for two hours and
allowd to cure for next hours.

Fig 3.2 shows the procedure followed during the laminate fabrication
3.3 Specimen Preparation

The objective of the study was to understand and calculate the mechanical
properties GFRP laminates through material testing program .In order to achieve
this,3 categories of specimens were prepared as follows:

1. Laminates cut in warp direction; thickness 3mm (0 deg – 5 Nos)

2. Laminates cut in weft direction; thickness 3mm (0 deg – 5Nos)

3. Laminates cut in diagonal direction;thickness 3mm (o deg – 5Nos)

In total 15 Specimens were considered for the whole testing

program and all the specimens were cut form a single laminates.

The dimensions were maintained vas shown in figure 3.3.It was

based on ASTM D3039 /D3039 M-00 .The gripping length was roughened by
silicon carbide abrasive paper band cleaned using acetone .Scratched aluminium
sheet (2mm) was used for gripping .The specimen and the end tab material was
bonded using the combination of araldite AW106 and hardener HV9531N in the
ratio 50:50 as per manufacture’s instruction.
 Fig 3.3 Dimension of the test coupons

3.4 Testing

Tensile test was carried out according to ASTM D 3039/D3039 M-00

”Standard test method for tensile properties of polymer matrix composite
materials”. The dimension were taken as 25mmX3mm.Tension tests were carried
out in universal testing machine (UTM) at a constant crosshead speed of 2mm/min
with wedge type mechanical grips

The tensile strength was calculated by using the following equation.

Where P = Maximum load in N.

A = Average cross sectional area in mm2

The shear test specimens were cut at 45 from the laminate and the configuration
was +/- 45 as shown in figure 3.6

Fig 3.6 configuration of +/- 45 coupons

It was carried according to ASTM standard D 3518/D3518 ( reapproved 2001).

The test was conducted using UTM with 2mm/min crosshead speed.

3.5 Results and discussion

The summary of the tensile test results are tabulated below for the weft direction
(coupons 1 to 5) is shown here in table 3.4

Elastic
modulu
Coupo widt Thicknes Tensile
s
n h s strengt
“Initial Mea
numbe h
1 (mm
25 (mm
3 23.4 Mea 187 n
slope”
r
) ) (MPa
E n (MPa
(GPa) )
)
 2 25 3 22.8 186
3 25 3 22.4 191
4 25 3 18.12 188
5 25 3 19.27 180
Table 3.4 Summary of the tensile test results

The summary of the tensile test results are tabulated below for the warp direction
21.1 187
(coupons 1 to 5) is shown here in table 3.4

Elastic
modulu
Coupo widt Thicknes Tensile
s
n h s strengt
“Initial Mea
numbe h
6 (mm
25 (mm
3 22.4 187 n
slope” Mea
r
7 )25 3) 24.3
E (MPa
177
n (MPa
8 25 3 21.6
(GPa) )
184
)
9 25 3 17.72 186
10 25 3 18.12 176
(GPa
Table 3.4 Summary of the tensile test results
)

20.8 182
Similarly the stress strain curve obtained for stress modulus test and its
2
corresponding test values are represented below.
 Shear
modul
Coupo widt Thicknes Mea Shear Mean
us
n h s n strengt
“Initia (MPa)
numbe h
11 (mm
25 (mm
3 0.892
l (GPa 147
r
12 )25 3) 0.911 )
slope” (MPa)
149
13 25 3 0.845 153
14 25 3 (GPa) 143.2
0.877 129
15 25 3 0.901 138
0.885

Table 3.9 Summary of shear test results.

 CHAPTER 4

WORK DONE

4.1 MATERIAL SELECTION:

4.3 Water jet cutting:

Water Jet cutting uses an ultra-high pressure stream of water to hold an abrasive
grit. The abrasive will the cutting through a mechanical sawing action, leaving a
swish, precision cut surface. Waterjet is the most versatile method, as a result of it's
ability cut nearly any type of material.

Process:

 Uses a high velocity stream of ultra-high pressure Water 30,000–90,000 psi

(210–620 MPa) that is made by a high pressure pump with possible abrasive
particles suspended within the stream.

 Is used for machining an oversized array of materials, as well as heat-

sensitive, delicate or terribly hard materials.

 Produces no heat damage to Fig. piece surface or edges.

 Nozzles are generally product of mold boride or composite metal carbide.

 Produces a taper of less than one degree on most cuts, which may be reduced
or eliminated entirely by slowing down the cut method or tilting the jet.

 Distance of nozzle from work piece affects the dimensions of the kerfs and
the removal rate of fabric. Typical distance is .125 in (3.2 mm).

Fig. 4.5: Material during cutting

4.4.1 ANSYS Composite PrepPost (ACP)

ANSYS Composite PrepPost (ACP) is an include to ANSYS Workbench and is

coordinated with the standard investigation highlights. The whole work process for
composite structure can be finished from plan to conclusive data creation
accordingly.

The geometry of the tooling surfaces of a composite structure is the reason for
investigation and generation. In light of this geometry and a FE work, the limit
conditions and composite definitions are connected to the structure in the pre-
handling stage. After a finished arrangement, the post-handling is utilized to assess
the execution of the structure and cover. On account of a deficient plan or material
disappointment, the geometry or overlay must be adjusted and the assessment is
rehashed.

ACP has a pre-and post-handling mode. In the pre-preparing mode, every single
composite definition can be made and are mapped to the geometry (FE work).
These composite definitions are exchanged to the FE show and the solver input
document. In the post-preparing mode, after a finished arrangement and the import
of the outcome file(s), post-handling results (disappointment, security, strains and
stresses) can be assessed and pictured.

Investigation of a Composite Shell Model

• Preprocessing

o Add ACP (Pre) segment to the undertaking

o Define Engineering Data

o Import or build Geometry (Units)

o Open the Model and

o Define Named Selections/Element Sets

o Generate Mesh

Open ACP (Pre) and

o Define Fabric

o Define Rosettes and Oriented Selection Sets

o Create Modeling Plies

Workbench Analysis System

Add Analysis System to the undertaking

Open the Analysis System and

o Define Analysis Settings

o Define Boundary Conditions

Tackle demonstrate (update the undertaking)

Postprocessing

Include ACP (Post) part to the undertaking

Open ACP (Post) and run the post-handling

Adding ACP Components to the Project

The segments ACP (Pre) and ACP (Post) are accessible in the Toolbox menu.
Figure 4.1: ACP Components

These components are handled in the Project Schematic like the other standard
components (drag-and-drop or right mouse-click menu).

Engineering Data

With the installation of ACP a new material catalog named Composite Materials is
available in the databank. This catalog contains typical materials used in composite
structures like unidirectional and woven carbon and glass, or core materials.
Within the Workbench workflow of ACP, the materials have to be defined .
Figure : Engineering Data Sources

Geometry and Units

A shell geometry is required for structure any composite model in ACP. The
geometry can either be built in the ANSYS Design Modeler or imported as a CAD
document.

The ACP unit framework is free from the unit framework in the Mechanical
application (User Interface or Solver). The exchange from the Mechanical
application to ACP and the other way around consequently changes over the
information. The present unit framework is shown in status bar of ACP at the base
of the screen.
Meshing the model

The work has been made by choosing the cross section size of 5mm and the
material was imported from the designing information
Adding an Analysis System to the Project

The ACP segments are taken care of in the Workbench venture schematic like
some other standard segments. The parts can be associated by simplified activities
or utilizing the setting menu. The Mesh, Engineering Data, Named Selections and
Coordinate Systems are exchanged to the Analysis System.

Figure :Connecting a Static Structural Analysis to ACP (Pre) utilizing a Drag and

Drop Operation

Figure : Transferring an ACP Setup to an Analysis System Using the Context

Menu
Including an ACP (Post) Component to the Project

The ACP (Post) segment can be connected with one or a few arrangements and
permits post-preparing of composite structures. Since ACP (Post) is connected
with the Engineering Data, Geometry and the Model of the ACP (Pre) part, the
composite definitions (Section Data) are exchanged naturally to ACP (Post).

As previously, the ACP (Post) part can be added to the task by a simplified activity
or by utilizing the "Exchange Data to New'' choice in the setting menu of the
investigation segment. Figure
4.8: Adding ACP (Post) Component by Using the Context Menu

Figure 4.9: Including ACP (Post) by Drag and Drop Operation

The total composite shell show is presently prepared to be examined in ACP
(Post).

Complete Composite Shell Analysis Model

4.4.2 TENSILE TESTING :
 CHAPTER 5

RESULT ANALYSIS

Stiffened plate analysis was carried out for the GFRP composite panel using
ANSYS ACP Pre & Post. The Figure shows the final result of the GFRP stiffened
plate subjected to the axial compressive load.

The analysis was carried out with all sides fixed boundary condition to avoid the
buckling effect of the panel. The deformation is found to be maximum at the
middle of the specimen and it gets gradually decreased towards the fixed end.
From the analysis it was found that when the number of mesh element increases
the result grows convergent. Different mess sizing was tried and concluded as
5mm sizing. The geometry was considered as orthotropic and the corresponding
properties from experimental data were given as an input. The figure shows the
total deformation contour in which it is clear that the deformation sis maximum at
the center and it gets gradually decrease towards the fixed end. Boundary
conditions also played a major role in the deformation pattern. As all sides are
fixed there was no buckling behavior observed throughout the analysis.

The same work can be extended to different stiffener configuration.

 CHAPTER 6

CONCLUSION

In this project an advanced composite material is fabricated and tested for its
strength..
 REFERENCES

[1] Jauhar Fajrin, Yan Zhuge ,Frank Bullen ,Hao Wang Department of Civil
Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Mataram, Mataram 83125,
Indonesia – “The structural behavior of hybrid structural insulated panels under
pure bending load”

[2] Thien Sok The University of Utah -“Effects of angled stitch reinforcement on
foam core sandwich structures” December 2010

[3] Ramraj Santhanakrishnana, Narayanan Kavithaa, Meenakshi Sundarama,

Pappakudi Srinivasan Venkatanarayanana Hindustan University, Padur, Chennai
600016, Tamil Nadu, India – “Effect of Pile Orientation on the Shear Strength of
Stitched Foam Sandwich Panel” August 05, 2018

[4] Jeremy Gustin, Aaran Joneson, Mohammad Mahinfalah , James Stone North
Dakota State University Fargo, ND 58105, USA – “Low velocity impact of
combination Kevlar/carbon fiber sandwich composites” 24 August 2004
[5] Giulia Palombaa , Gabriella Epastoa ,Vincenzo Crupia , Eugenio Guglielminoa
University of Messina, Contrada di Dio, Sant'Agata, 98166 Messina, Italy =
“Single and double-layer honeycomb sandwich panels under impact loading”

[6] Kedar S. Pandya, Jayaram R. Pothnis, G. Ravikumar, N.K. Naik Indian

Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai 400 076, India – “Ballistic
impact behavior of hybrid composites” 19 July 2012

[7] R. Santhanakrishnan, Stanley Samlal, A. Joseph Stanley & J. Jayalatha

Hindustan University, Chennai 603103, India - “Impact study on sandwich panels
with and without stitching” 14 April 2013

[8] Yufan Tang, Feihao Li, Fengxian Xin , Tian Jian Lu Xi'an Jiaotong University,
Xi'an 710049, PR China – “Heterogeneously perforated honeycomb-corrugation
hybrid sandwich panel as sound absorber” 4 September 2017

[9] ASTM Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Volume 15.03, Space Simulation;
Aerospace and Aircraft; Composite Materials