Experimental and numerical analyses of the tensile strength and mixed-mode fracture behavior of sheet molding compound plates

Polymer matrix composites are the most prevalent ones among all composite materials because they offer high specific strength to weight ratio, toughness, and ease of processing. These own their properties high-strength reinforcement as carbon, glass, aramid fibers. The mass production method such is basically sheet molding compound (SMC) compression technology. However, regarding inherent defects SMCs, porosities internal cracks, current trend improving performance requires a thorough understanding mechanical fracture products. Therefore, in this work, commercially available chopped glass-fiber reinforced polyester SMC has been subjected uniaxial tensile mixed-mode experiments, along perpendicular rolling direction. results these experiments were employed input data finite element model determine toughness (KIC KIIC) critical strain energy release rate (GIC GIIC) material under loading conditions. Overall, although reinforcing form strands glass fiber, specimens exhibited lower transverse direction compare with that longitudinal (rolling) modes loadings.