ASSIGNMENT 3

EGR 2208 Engineering Materials (Session: JAN 2014)

Question 1:
The average density of a continuous glass fibers-epoxy composite is 1.615g/cm3. The density of the
epoxy resin is 1.21g/cm3 and that of the glass fibers is 1.74g/cm3. The modulus of elasticity and the
tensile strength for both the glass fibers and the epoxy resin are given in table below. Assuming the
orientation of the continuous fibers is parallel to the direction of tensile loading:

Glass fibers
Epoxy resin

(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)

Modulus of elasticity, MPa

7.24 x 104
3.1 x 103

Tensile Strength, GPa

2.4
0.06

Calculate the volume percentage of glass fibers in the composite?

Calculate the modulus of elasticity of the composite?
Calculate the tensile strength of the composite?
Calculate the fraction of the load carried by the fiber?

(8 marks)
(10 marks)
(10 marks)
(7 marks)

Question 2:
The average density of a continuous glass fibers-epoxy composite is 1.615g/cm3. The density of the
epoxy resin is 1.21g/cm3 and that of the glass fibers is 1.74g/cm3. The modulus of elasticity and the
tensile strength for both the glass fibers and the epoxy resin are given in table below. Assuming the
orientation of the continuous fibers is perpendicular to the direction of tensile loading:

Glass fibers
Epoxy resin

Modulus of elasticity, MPa

7.24 x 104
3.1 x 103

Tensile Strength, GPa

2.4
0.06

(a) Calculate the volume percentage of epoxy resin in the composite?

(8 marks)
(b) Calculate the modulus of elasticity of the composite?
(10 marks)
(c) By comparing with the answer that obtained in question 1(b), explain the differences.(7 marks)

Question 3:
A continuous and aligned ceramic fiber-reinforced polymer matrix composite is to be produced
consisting of 20 vol% silicon carbide and 80 vol% of a polycarbonate matrix. Mechanical
characteristics of these two materials are as follows:

Silicon Carbide
Polycarbonate

Modulus of Elasticity
(GPa)
131
2.4

Tensile Strength
(MPa)
3900
65

Assuming this composite has a cross-sectional area of 325mm2, and is subjected to a longitudinal
load of 44,600 N:
(a) Calculate the fibermatrix load ratio.
[8 marks]
(b) Determine the actual loads carried by both fiber and matrix phases.
[12 marks]
(c) Analyze the magnitude of the stress on each of the fiber and matrix phases.
[12 marks]
(d) Assess the strain that is experienced by the composite.
[8 marks]