Comparative Study of Experimental and Simulated Results of Compression Test on Epoxy Based E-Glass / Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composite Laminates

In this study, compressive strength and contraction of Polymer Composite Laminates made of E-Glass / Carbon bi-woven fabric reinforced in Epoxy resin matrix has been evaluated experimentally. Composite laminates were fabricated using hand lay-up technique for different ply orientations of 0,30,45,60 and stacking sequence of (00/300/450/600)2S for 2 and 3 mm laminate thickness. The laminates were subjected to vacuum bag moulding (Wet Layup), followed by post curing process at elevated temperatures. The specimen preparation and compression testing were carried out as per ASTM standards using Instron Universal Testing Machine. The Experimental results were validated with FEM analysis by LS-DYNA using LS-PREPOST as the prime post processor and the results of both experimental and FEM show admirable agreement with one another. Keywords-Carbon fiber, E-Glass fiber, Epoxy, Vacuum Bag Moulding, LS-DYNA.