Influence of Fiber Orientation on the Properties of Composites

Damage pattern on the surface of laminate with fiber orientations (00/150), (00/300), and (00/450) have been studied. E-glass/Epoxy composite laminate of thickness 4mm with size 100mmx100mm clamped on all the edges has been used. The laminate is subjected to quasi-static indentation at center with 8 mm diameter steel ball indenter. Damage is quantified in terms of opacity of the indented area, that represent delaminations, debonds and fiber fracture. Results indicated that damage is directly proportional to the fiber angle and also the internal damage is limited to the surrounding area of indentation spot. Observations from scanning electron micrographs have been correlated with visual observations.