A STUDY ON THE FABRICATION OF GLASS LAMINATE ALUMINUM REINFORCED EPOXY AND THE BEHAVIOR OF THE MATERIAL UNDER DIFFERENT LOADING CONDITIONS

Abstract

FMLs (Fiber metal laminates) are the new kind of material developedifor the need to create superior light weight structures with exceptional properties. The first generation FMLs used thermosetting resins but as the demand increases over the years, new types of FMLs are being fabricated using new types of materials and resins which are more lightweight and efficient when compared to previous generation FMLs. Because of their lightiweight, robust, economical properties the fiber metal laminates are finding their application in wide variety of industries. Better strength to weight ratio, stiffnessitoiweight ratio are main reasons for the expansion of the application of FMLs in different fields. Because of their improved mechanical properties like fatigue resistance, low specific weight, goodithermal, acousticiandielectrical resistance they are good material for advanced aerospace and automotive structural applications. Adhesive bonding between the composite layers is the important factor which has to be considered in the manufacturing of these types of laminates. In this study three types of glass-fiber reinforced aluminum laminates were manufactured with different glass fiber orientation using hand layup technique based on ASTM standards. Then tests such as Tensile, flexural, hardness are conducted to study the behavior of the material under different loading conditions.