Layup design optimization for e-glass woven roving fabric reinforced polyester composite laminates produced by VARTM

Abstract

In this study, a satisfactory number of actual test results were used to optimize the stacking sequence design ofbidirectional glass-woven fabrics in polyester composite laminates. In optimization, parameters such as glass-woven fabricswith five different areal weights, stacking sequence, number of plies (PLY), and off-axis fiber directions (DEG) were taken asinput factors. Values such as tensile strength (UTS) and flexural strength (UFS), mechanical anisotropy factors (AFs), andresin permeability coefficient of stacked glass-fabrics were taken as output responses. In this study, a laboratory-scalevacuum assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) process was established. Composite laminates with sixteen differentstacking and six different number of plies are produced. Mechanical properties such as tensile and three-point flexure havebeen tested for the composite laminates obtained. In addition, the resin permeability coefficient for each laminate and the AFfor tensile and flexural module depending on fiber direction were calculated during production. Many actual test data wereobtained versus response to seven factors and five variables. Instead of the experimental designs recommended in responsesurface methodology (RSM), 64 actual test data were used as responses of the model. In the optimization with the Minitab,the minimum mechanical AF was desired in return to maximum UTS, UFS, and permeability coefficient. Optimum stackingsequence, PLY, DEG, permeability coefficient, and AFs were determined through using RSM. Consequently, the mostoptimal composite laminate was suggested in real terms in the desirability rate of laminate D=0.6731 with the stackingsequence of [822252]6, six plies, and 0 °/90 ° fiber direction.