A Study on Different Failures of Composite Materials

Abstract

Composites are the important engineering materials made from two or more different materials, which has
significantly different physical and chemical properties and which also remain distinct and separated at the microscopic
level within finished structure. This material provides better mechanical properties than the parent metals. Composite
materials have shown boundless engineering application where strength to weight ratio, cost effectiveness and ease of
fabrication are mainly required. Composites include a wide range of the products for different application ranging from
aerospace, sports, electronics industries, construction, automobile components, furniture and insulation panels made
from different fibers, and textiles.
It is observed that many defects which may arise from composite materials in fibers, matrix and lamina. These defects,
if they exist include misalignment of fibers, cracks in matrix, non uniform distribution of the fibers in the matrix,
voids in fibers and matrix, delaminated regions, and initial stress in the lamina as a result of its manufacture and further
treatment. These defects tend to propagate as the lamina is loaded creating an accelerated rate of failure. This paper
presents a study and analysis of different failures commonly seen in different composite materials.