Tensile properties of plain weft knitted glass fiber fabric reinforced epoxy composites

This paper describes the tensile properties and failure mechanisms of plain weft knitted glass fiber fabric reinforced epoxy composites. The composite was made by reinforcing epoxy resin with a single ply of plain weft knitted glass fiber fabric. Tensile properties were investigated in the wale and course directions of the knitted fabric. Tensile failure mechanisms were identified experimentally by in-situ recording of damage processes using a video camera and by studying fracture surfaces using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Elastic modulus was predicted using a modified rule of mixtures law incorporating reinforcement efficiency of curved fiber bundles. Tensile strength was predicted by estimating the failure strength of the fiber bundles bridging the fracture plane. Also, attempts have been made to predict tensile failure mechanisms and tensile properties using a three dimensional finite element model. The results of analytical and finite element model were compared with the experimental results.