Effect of fiber orientation and loading direction on the compressive response of E-glass/Epoxy laminated composites used in modern helicopter blades submitted to high strain rate

Abstract

In this investigation, the dynamic behaviour of glass fibre reinforced poly- mer under in-plane and out-of-plane dynamic compression tests was studied experimentally and numerically under varying the fibres orientation and the loading conditions. The composites consist of unidirectional E-glass fibers reinforced epoxy polymer composites used in modern helicopter blade application as inner surface. Specimens, with a cylindrical shape, are impacted at a constant strain rate subjected to SHPB and Ls Dyna program. The numerical results are in good agreement with experimental results. The results show that the out-of-plane stress values for different fiber orientation are close to each other, but the in-plane stress value is far lower for the fibers direction of ±45◦. This study will facilitate fiber orientation selection for dynamic effects during the helicopter blade production phase. Not only simple tests but also practical ideas make this study stand out. Considering results, the use of ±90◦ fiber direction in helicopter blades seems to be more advantageous against dynamic effects.

Keywords

• Hopkinson bars
• dynamic compression test
• helicopter blade
• composite materials
• numerical analyses
• impact behavior.

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