Research Article

Investigation of mechanical properties in variable oriented glass fiber reinforced insulators

Volume: 16 Number: 3 September 30, 2025
TR EN

Investigation of mechanical properties in variable oriented glass fiber reinforced insulators

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of fiber orientation on the mechanical performance of composite insulators produced by the hand lay-up method. E-glass fiber-reinforced epoxy composites were fabricated using three types of glass fiber fabrics: unidirectional (L300), ±90° biaxial (LT600), and ±45° biaxial (X600). Additionally, silica sand-filled epoxy insulators were also evaluated—both factory-produced and commercially sourced—to benchmark performance differences with glass fiber-reinforced counterparts. The primary objective is to assess how varying fiber alignment and material configurations affect mechanical properties, particularly under tensile loading. Specimens were prepared in four distinct orientation configurations and subjected to tensile testing. The results demonstrated significant variations in tensile strength, highlighting that even minor differences in fiber orientation can substantially alter mechanical behavior. Failure mode analysis further emphasized the critical role of fiber orientation in load distribution and structural integrity. Overall, this study provides insights into enhancing the mechanical reliability of composite insulators by optimizing fiber placement and evaluating alternative filler systems such as silica sand.

Keywords

References

  1. [1] A. P. Mouritz, E. Gellert, P. Burchill, and K. Challis, “Review of advanced composite structures for naval ships and submarines,” Compos Struct, vol. 53, no. 1, pp. 21–42, 2001, doi: 10.1016/S0263-8223(00)00175-6.
  2. [2] P. Middendorf and C. Metzner, Aerospace applications of non-crimp fabric composites. Woodhead Publishing Limited, 2011. doi: 10.1016/B978-1-84569-762-4.50018-7.
  3. [3] D. McLellan, “Corvette from the Inside,” 2002, Accessed: Apr. 24, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.sae.org/publications/technical-papers/content/B-858/
  4. [4] S. Van Hulle, “Preliminary Design of a Transverse Composite Leaf Spring for Electric Vehicles,” 2023.
  5. [5] E. Tuncer, I. Sauers, D. R. James, and A. R. Ellis, “Electrical insulation characteristics of glass fiber reinforced resins,” in IEEE Transactions on Applied Superconductivity, Jun. 2009, pp. 2359–2362. doi: 10.1109/TASC.2009.2018748.
  6. [6] Z. Wang, D. Zhang, M. Yang, J. Fang, S. Zhou, and W. Wang, “Study on Bending Stiffness of Solid Post Composite Insulator,” in 7th IEEE International Conference on High Voltage Engineering and Application, ICHVE 2020 - Proceedings, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc., Sep. 2020. doi: 10.1109/ICHVE49031.2020.9279975.
  7. [7] H. Park, M. S. Ahn, T. JLee, and andD ILee, “Compressive Strength of FRP for Insulator,” 2004.
  8. [8] V. E. Ogbonna, A. P. I. Popoola, O. M. Popoola, and S. O. Adeosun, “A review on corrosion, mechanical, and electrical properties of glass fiber-reinforced epoxy composites for high-voltage insulator core rod applications: challenges and recommendations,” Sep. 01, 2022, Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH. doi: 10.1007/s00289-021-03846-z.

Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Composite and Hybrid Materials

Journal Section

Research Article

Early Pub Date

September 30, 2025

Publication Date

September 30, 2025

Submission Date

May 7, 2025

Acceptance Date

June 10, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2025 Volume: 16 Number: 3

IEEE
[1]S. İ. Bilgin, H. Çetinel, and E. Yalçın, “Investigation of mechanical properties in variable oriented glass fiber reinforced insulators”, DUJE, vol. 16, no. 3, pp. 707–715, Sept. 2025, doi: 10.24012/dumf.1694736.