Statistical analysis of the tensile strength of GFRP, CFRP and hybrid composites

Glass/epoxy, carbon/epoxy and hybrid (glass-carbon/epoxy) composites are subjected to quasi-static to high strain rate (542 s(-1)) studies to obtain the tensile strength. The two-parameter Weibull distribution is employed to measure the variability of the tensile strength of cross ply laminates. The Weibull parameters are obtained using the linear curve fit method. The theoretical tensile strength values are determined for the GFRP, CFRP and hybrid composites. The experimental and theoretical strength values are in good agreement. Using Hitachi scanning electron microscope instrument, the failure mechanisms are investigated in the fracture surfaces of glass/epoxy, carbon/epoxy and hybrid specimens, and discussed.