Mechanical Properties of Carbon Epoxy Prepreg Insert Phenolic Resin Injection Moldings

This study focuses on the insert-injection molding process. The thermoset composite inserts in this study were carbon fiber/epoxy (CF/Epoxy) prepreg sheets. The injected molded part was glass fiber contained phenolic resin (GF/PF). The CF/Epoxy was placed in the mold cavity prior to injecting GF/PF onto the inserted injection molded CF/Epoxy specimens. The role of adhesion between the inserted part and injected resin on the mechanical properties was evaluated by 3 point bending and impact tests. In addition, the effect of prepreg orientation on the mechanical properties of the prepreg inserted-injection molding system was investigated. It was found that the prepreg with unidirectional orientation significantly improved flexural and impact strength of the inserted injection molding composites, providing better support and resistance to bending and impact loading. The main failure modes of the specimens were structural and adhesive failure.

Simulation of the Interphase of Insert Injection Moldings

In this work, the generalizing of the finite element method (FEM) of thermoplastic prepreg insert injection molding composites was investigated. The specimens were prepared using glass fiber/polyamidc 6 (GF/PA6) inserted prepreg, and their characteristics were investigated and compared under ANSYS workbench program. The prediction of the bending initial fracture point under analytical tensile testing with interlayer on prepreg insert moldings was focused. It was found that the bending initial fracture point was applied to predict by matching the shear stress. There was obtained from analytical tensile testing and bending analysis. Therefore, it can be obtained the optimum of the clastic modulus ratio on the injection part/interlayer/insert part by using FEM via ANSYS workbench.

Quasi-Static Flexural Properties of a Pultruded Glass Fiber/Unsaturated Polyester Square Pipe

This paper explores quasi-static flexural properties and fracture behavior of a pultruded glass fiber/unsaturated polyester square pipe for automotive structural applications. Three-point flexural testing is performed in an Instron Universal Testing Machine with steel jigs supporting the top and bottom surfaces of the pipe. Acoustic emission (AE) measurements are recorded during flexural testing to evaluate initial fracture in the pipe structure. After final fracture, five cross-sections of the pipe are cut at 50-mm intervals along the longitudinal axis, with the first cut located at the mid-span of the pipe. Cross-sections of a pipe from an interrupted test where initial fracture is detected from the AE method are also prepared. Damage locations and behavior on each cross-section are observed. The flexural testing results show that the cumulative AE counts increase rapidly from 2.5 kN, that final failure occurs at a maximum load of approximately 13 kN, and that corresponding initial and final failure occurs in the two corner regions on the compressive side of flexural loading. Failure initiates by stress concentrations due to the upper jig on the top surface during bending. The cross-sectional observations also reveal clear deformation behavior of the pipe where failure is present, marked by inward bending of the top surface and upper corners located on the compressive side, near the jig. The locations of maximum stresses and deformations obtained from finite element analysis of this pipe structure are in very good agreement with the experimental observations.