CIVE 6330 Fiber Reinforced Polymers for Structures

Homework #1
(Due Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2014)

Problem 1) Consider the elements shown in the figure below. Using these elements derive the
transformation matrix [T] given in Ch. 2 of the course notes.



Problem 2) Consider two unidirectional composites (see table) subjected to a state of plane
stress.

CFRP GFRP
E
1
(longitudinal) 150 GPa 75 GPa
E
2
(transverse) 25 GPa 25 GPa
G
12
8 GPa 8 GPa

12
0.3 0.3

For these two composites plot the effect of the angle of the applied load, , on the apparent
stiffnesses
66 26 16 22 12 11
, , , , , Q Q Q Q Q Q . Discuss your results.

xy

xy

x
y

12

12

CIVE 6330 Fiber Reinforced Polymers for Structures

Problem 3) Consider a filament-wound, GFRP, thin-walled pressure vessel with a diameter of
72 and a thickness of 0.5. The ultimate strength of the GFRP in the fiber direction is 130 ksi.

a) Assume that the composite will only transfer stresses in tension
(neglect shear stress in the matrix) and demonstrate that the
optimum winding angle for the pressure vessel, , is 55
o
..

b) Assuming that the fibers are wound at the optimum angle
determine the maximum internal pressure that can be applied to
the vessel if the allowable stress in the FRP is the ultimate
strength (factor of safety =2).

c) Now, assume that the pressure vessel is made using Gr. 50 steel
(F
y
=50 ksi). Using a maximum shear stress failure criteria
determine the maximum allowable internal pressure that can be
applied with a factor of safety of 2. Compare your results to the
results of part b).

NOTE: This problem requires some background information on
thin-walled pressure vessels and the maximum shear stress failure
criterion (available in most introductory mechanics of materials
text books).

72
t =0.5
x
y