6. Effect of Stacking Sequence and Fiber Volume Fraction on the Static Mechanical Properties of Woven GFRP Composite

This paper evaluates the effect of fiber volume fraction and ply stacking sequence on the tensile and flexure strength of GFRP laminates. Six- and 8-plied laminates of equal thickness with two different ply stacking sequences (symmetric and asymmetric laminates) and different fiber volume fractions (v_f = 45 and 56%) were fabricated using press molding method. Flexural strength was evaluated under a 3-point bend test according to ASTM D790 and tensile test as per the ASTM D3039 testing standard. Results showed that the static mechanical properties of the laminates were a function of fiber volume fraction and fiber orientation. Samples with high v_f presented low tensile strength and high flexure strength compared to the specimen with lower v_f. While among symmetric and asymmetric stacking sequence, symmetric one independent of v_f had better tensile and flexure properties.