Fatigue Analysis of Polyester Composite Plate Reinforced with Carbon Fiber and Nano Silicon Dioxide
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This research investigates the effect of silicon dioxide nanopowder, with particle sizes ranging from 20 to 30 nm, on the fatigue durability of carbon fiber/polyester composites.A series of fatigue experiments were conducted to assess the lifespan of the samples, which were created using varying amounts of nano silicon dioxide (SiO₂) at weight percentages of 0.16%, 0.20%, and 0.24%, while maintaining a carbon fiber weight fraction of 55%.The study details the properties of the composite material based on these different weight percentages.The experimental results indicated that reinforcing the carbon fiber/polyester composite with silicon dioxide nanoparticles improved its fatigue life across various ratios.The fatigue tests were conducted using a bending alternating method with fully reversed loading (R = -1).The specimens, with a thickness of 7 mm, were tested in a room temperature environment.Fatigue life was evaluated at three distinct stress amplitudes: the first level comprised 78.43, 92.98, and 106.16MPa; the second level included 87.65, 103.91, and 118.64 MPa; and the third level featured 98.59, 116.89, and 133.45 MPa.The fatigue behavior was described using the Basquin equation.The results showed that, at a weight fraction of 0.16%, an increase in stress rate of 14.03% resulted in a decrease in cycles of 12.43% at the first level and 11.34% at the second level.A similar stress rate reduction at the third level led to a 9.4% decrease in cycles.Higher stress amplitudes significantly shortened life cycles.For the 0.20% additive, an increase in average stress by 14.03% reduced life cycles by approximately 12.43%.Further stress increases at the second level led to an 11.34% decline in cycle count, while the same increase resulted in a 9.35% decrease in cycles.Fatigue evaluations on samples with 0.24% of nanoparticles showed a 14.03% increase in the stress ratio, which consequently resulted in a decrease of fatigue cycles by 7.5% at the first level, 8.3% at the second level, and 9.4% at the third level.This minor change suggests improved durability against failure with the incorporation of 0.24% nano silicon dioxide (SiO₂) as stress levels increased.Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of the composite samples at a magnification of 2.0 kx demonstrate a homogeneous dispersion of nanoparticles within the microstructure, enhancing the mechanical properties of the composites.
Language: English
Subfield: Mechanics of Materials
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W4413855746