Open Hole Tensile Behaviour of Sisal-Glass Reinforced Epoxy Composite

Abstract

Research and development in engineering composites are advancing rapidly. The demand for lightweight materials with high specific strength in aerospace and high-energy applications makes composites a prime choice. Using composite materials to reduce structural weight is favored for energy saving and emission reduction, making them popular in automobiles and other fields. However, composites require holes for assembly and fastening in many applications, such as airplane structures and automotive parts. These holes can concentrate stress, potentially reducing tensile strength and compromising structural integrity. Notches, including holes and slots, are inevitable during assembly and may also result from impact damage during service. Ensuring safety and reliability necessitates quantifying residual properties and failure responses. Stress concentration issues will occur around holes, whether in laminates used for interior decoration, outsourced parts, or bearing components. Therefore, notch design must consider the effects on failure mode, mechanical performance, and interlayer damage distribution. This study examines the open-hole tensile behavior of sisal-glass fiber-reinforced epoxy composites, aiming to understand the impact of circular holes on their tensile strength and failure mechanisms.