Investigation of Fracture Parameters of Jute/Glass Reinforced Hybrid Composite and Analysis by Using FEA

These days the interest of people has shifted toward using natural fibers as reinforcement in the preparation of polymer composite material. Having superior properties such as lower density, higher stiffness, better mechanical properties and since the natural fibers are abundantly available, being renewable and biodegradable, the natural fiber-based composite preparation has become a wide area for research activity. This paper deals with the testing and analysis of the single edge notch bend specimen for the estimation of fracture toughness of the material. Six SENB hybrid composite specimens made of glass fibers, jute fibers and epoxy are prepared as per ASTM D-5045. Then, the models of hybrid composite are created in ANSYS to find J-integral and stress intensity factor. The purpose is to retain sufficient mechanical properties by adding layers of glass fiber, at the same time ensuring a lower cost and lower weight by reinforcing intermediate layers of jute fiber in it. Determining the mechanical characteristics of hybrid composite laminate was carried out by three-point bending test so as to compare it with ASTM D-5045 test method’s manual. Wherein, the results of the test specimens have satisfied the necessary conditions put forth by the test manual. Mechanical characteristics obtained with hybrid jute reinforced glass laminates enable the substitution of glass fiber by other natural fibers for moderately loaded applications to combine performance and economy.