Elastic properties and buckling load evaluation of ceramic particles filled glass/epoxy composites

Abstract

In the current investigation, the effects of the various ceramic particles on elastic properties and load carrying capabilities of filled E-glass/epoxy composite plates are determined experimentally and numerically. The composite plates are filled with 0% (unfilled), 5%, 10% and 15% particle weight fractions (based on the weight of composite), such as silicon carbide (SiC), which has two particle sizes, aluminum oxide (Al2O3) and boron carbide (B4C). The results indicate that the load carrying capability of composites are significantly influenced by particle weight fractions, different particle sizes and different ceramic particles (fillers). Accordingly, the load carrying capabilities of composites filled with 10 wt% ceramic particles are found higher for small particle sizes. Moreover, the addition of 10 wt% boron carbide (B4C) particles to composites increases the critical buckling load value of composite up to 42%. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.