Effect of notch depth on flexural properties of short fiber reinforced composites

Abstract

In this study, the notch and crack propagation effect on flexural behavior of 3D randomly distributed short fiber reinforced composites are investigated. Unsaturated polyester resin and E-glass fiber are selected for matrix and reinforcement materials respectively, due to having relatively low costs and using more widely in the industry then other matrix and reinforcement materials. The three-point-bend tests have been performed on the fabricated V-notched specimens. The fiber/matrix interface which directly related to the fiber critical length, plays a major role in determining the mechanical properties of the fiber reinforced composites (FRC). The effect of fiber/matrix interfacial strength on fracture behavior of bending FRCs are investigated. The notch depth effect on flexural properties was analyzed by considering the effect of fiber length and fiber volume fraction.