Date of Award
5-2011
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Legacy Department
Polymer and Fiber Science
Committee Chair/Advisor
Richardson, Kathleen
Committee Member
Brown , Philip
Committee Member
Norfolk , Chris
Abstract
This study has aimed to evaluate property uniformity from data obtained utilizing one design of a single layup composite plaque, three sources of glass fibers and a single, industry accepted resin to produce a repeatable fabrication process. This thesis has investigated the following:
1. Whether the type of glass (E-Glass, S-Glass, and R-Glass) influences the property values of individually tested samples compared between glass types.
2. Whether the type of glass influences the property uniformity throughout the set of tested samples.
3. Whether the composite plaque design and resulting performance, as defined by ASTM Standards or industry accepted parameters, is adequate for use in the defined military application or wind specific application.
The resulting data showed trends that established the relationship between the mechanical properties of the materials used in constructing the composites and the properties of fabricated composite test plaques. The S-glass resulted in the highest ultimate fracture strength and modulus, yet had the highest properties per cost value. The E-glass demonstrated the worst mechanical properties of the three grades, however had the highest value comparing properties to cost. All of the composites were fabricated at
Recommended Citation
Edwards, Charles, "Influence of Material Selection and Fabrication Process Repeatability on Mechanical Properties of Glass-Polymer Matrix Composite Structures" (2011). All Theses. 1139.
https://open.clemson.edu/all_theses/1139