Fiber Orientation and Strain Rate-Dependent Tensile and Compressive Behavior of Injection Molded Polyamide-6 Reinforced with 20% Short Carbon Fiber

Abstract

As the interest in short-fiber reinforced polymer (SFRP) composites manufactured by injection molding increases, predicting the failure of SFRP structures becomes important. This study aims to systemize the prediction of failure of SFRP through mechanical property evaluation considering the anisotropy and strain rate dependency. To characterize the mechanical properties of polyamide-6 reinforced with carbon fiber of a weight fraction of 20% (PA6-20CF), tensile and compressive experiments were conducted with different load-applying directions and strain rates. Additionally, the results were discussed in detail by SEM image analysis of the fracture faces of the specimen. FE simulations based on the experimental condition were constructed, and the numerical model coefficients were derived through comparison with experimental results. The coefficients obtained were verified by bending tests of the specimens manufactured from composite cross members fabricated by injection molding. Predicting under static and high strain rate conditions, small errors of about 9.6% and 9.3% were shown, respectively. As a result, it proves that explained procedures allow for better failure prediction and for contribution to the systematization of structural design.

Keywords

• short fiber-reinforced composites
• injection molding
• thermoplastic material characterization
• numerical simulation
• complex geometry