Title: Examination of the Size Effect on Strength in a Hemp Fabric Composite

Authors: Leigh N. Gaither, Christopher Reidel, PhD. and Yawen Li, PhD.

DOI: 10.33599/nasampe/s.20.0029

Abstract: The variation of strength in tension and flexural test specimens for composites containing glass or carbon fiber is well documented in the literature [1]. While holding the fraction of fiber content constant and scaling up the test specimen size, research has indicated a significant diminishing in tensile and flexural strength in unidirectional fibrous composites [2]. The size effect states that for fibrous composites there is distinct reduction of tensile strength as the net cross-section of a beam in 4-point bending is increasing. Size effects are important from a fundamental point of view in understanding failure. They are also important in a practical sense since tests to establish values of material strength are normally performed on relatively small specimens. As very little is known concerning the size effect for composites bearing the natural fibers this research will show a correlation in data to a discernible reduction in tensile strength for a given size in a structural member. The multifunctional attributes are show in the mechanical connection of the large samples where steel imbedded in the material does not increase its sensitivity to strain.

References: [1] K. E. Jackson, "Workshop on Scaling Effects in Composite Materials and Structures," in NASA Conference Publication 3271, Virginia, 1994. [2] M. R. Wisnom, "Size Effects in the Testing of Fibre-Composite Materials," Composites Science and Technology, vol. 59, pp. 1937-1957, 1999. [3] W. Shurtleff and A. Aoyagi, "Henry Ford and His Employees: Work with Soy," SOYINFO CENTER, 2004. [Online]. Available: https://www.soyinfocenter.com/HSS/henry_ford_and_employees.php. [Accessed 4 January 2020]. [4] G. D. Quinn and J. B. Quinn, "A practical and systematic review of Weibull statistics forreporting strengths of dental materials," Dent Mater, vol. 26, no. 2, pp. 135-147, 2010.

Conference: SAMPE 2020 | Virtual Series

Publication Date: 2020/06/01

SKU: TP20-0000000029

Pages: 19

Price: FREE