Experimental investigation of mechanical properties of GLARE composite with different layup sequences

• Main Authors: Annamalai, I., Karthik, K., Kumar, Nitheesh, Muthuselvan, S., Vignesh, M., Dhanush, Y.J.
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Subjects: Composite materials; Fibre Metal Laminates; Flexural test; GLARE; Hand layup; Tensile test
• ISSN: 2214-7853; 2214-7853
• DOI: 10.1016/j.matpr.2021.02.487

Fuel consumption in aircraft predominantly depends on its payload. Hence there is a need for improvement in materials that have less weight and exhibit better mechanical properties. Fibre Metal Laminate (FML) is a new and reliable material used currently in many of the aircraft’s structural parts. It is a combination of metal and polymer composite layers. The combination of metal and composite layers exhibits better mechanical strength than the individual constituents. GLARE (Glass Laminate Aluminum Reinforced Epoxy) is a type of FML used in aircraft structures predominantly for weight reduction and improved mechanical properties. The Present investigation describes the mechanical properties of the hybrid composite using aluminum alloy, bi-directional e-glass fibre and epoxy resin with different layup sequences. Tensile and flexural tests of GLARE composites were conducted to study the mechanical properties for different layup sequences. The tests were conducted using Hydraulic Universal Tester Machine as per standards. It was observed that a specimen of 3/4 layup sequence exhibited better tensile and flexural strength than a specimen of 5/4 layup sequence.