Sage Journals: Discover world-class research

Abstract

Maximization of mode I critical delamination fracture toughness (G _IC) in cross ply graphite–epoxy laminates is studied using Design of Experiments and Taguchi arrays. The novel methodology proposed allows continuous and discrete factors to be considered simultaneously. Main and interactive factor effects on G _IC are evaluated. Selection of factors is based on design and material criteria; the ones considered are: width, length, thickness, stacking angle and stacking sequence. A Fractional Factorial experiment is used to reduce the number of tests. Double Cantilever Beam specimens are used for all mode I experiments. Statistically significant factors are culled and a response equation (RE), based on the importance of each factor, is established. The RE is then employed to optimize G _IC within the given set of restrictions. The effect of interfaces on delamination propagation is also investigated.

Keywords

composites delamination design of experiments fracture toughness laminate optimization response surface statistical analysis Taguchi

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

1. O’Brien, T.K. and Martin, R.H. (1993). J. Composite Technology and Research, 15: 269–281.

2. Nicholls, D.J. and Gallagher, J.P. (1983). J. Reinforced Plastics and Composites, 2: 2–17.

3. Sun, C.T. and Zheng, S. (1996). Composite Sciences and Technology, 56: 451–459.

4. Hwu, C. , Kao, C.J. and Chang, L.E. (1995). J. Composite Materials, 29(15): 1962–1987.

5. Robinson, P. and Song, D.Q. (1992). J. Composite Materials, 26(11): 1554–1577.

6. Polaha, J.J. , Davidson, B.D. , Hudson, R.C. and Pieracci, A. (1996). J. Reinforced Plastics and Composites, 15: 141–171.

7. Rao, B.N. and Acharya, A.R. (1995). Engineering Fracture Mechanics, 51(2): 317–322.

8. Lakisimi, A. , Benzeggagh, M.L. , Jing, G. , Hecini, M. and Roelandt, J.M. (1991). Composites Science and Technology, 41: 147–164.

9. Todoroki, A. and Haftka, R.T. (1998). Composites Part B, 29B: 277–285.

10.

10. Davidson, B.D. , Kruger, R. and Konig, M. (1996). Engineering Fracture Mechanics, 55(4): 557–569.

11.

11. Arora, J. (1998). Introduction to Optimum Design, McGraw Hill Series in Mechanical Engineering, Mac Graw-Hill, Boston, MA.

12.

12. Hicks and Turner (1999). Fundamental Concepts in Design of Experiments, Fifth Edn., Oxford Publications, New York, NY.

13.

13. Tekkam, A. and Pelegri, A.A. (2002). J. Composite Technology and Research, (in print).

14.

14. Roy, R. (1990). A Primer on Taguchi Method, Competitive Manufacturing Series, Van Nostrand Reinhold Publications, New York, NY.

15.

15. Chen, I.-J. and Pelegri, A.A. (2000). Proceedings of AIAA, 1404: 1–8.

16.

16. Ozdil, F. and Carlson, L.A. (1999). Composites Science and Technology, 59: 305–315.

17.

17. Standard Test Method for Mode I Interlaminar Fracture Toughness of Unidirectional Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Matrix Composites. ASTM D-5528.

18.

18. Myers and Montgomery (1995). Response Surface Methodology, John Wiley and Sons, New York, NY.

19.

19. Sutherland, L.S. , Shenoi, R.A. and Lewis, S.M. (1999). Composites Science and Technology, 59: 221–233.

Optimization of Laminates’ Fracture Toughness Using Design of Experiments and Response Surface

Abstract

Keywords

Get full access to this article

References