The Use of Glass Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Composite in Automotive Bumper Applications

Abstract

The application of composite materials to structures nowadays presented the need for engineering analysis and modeling to understand failure mechanisms. Modern automotive industry reveals that plastics can be reinforced to form new materials which can exhibit similar mechanical properties required for structural components of a vehicle, compared to metals. Glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) multidirectional composite laminates are vital for tensile and flexural strength of structures where mechanical properties can be optimized. The following laminates were produced with hand layup technology: [+45° / -45°] s, [0° / 45° / 90°] oriented [+45° / -45° / 90°] s, denoted as G4, G16 and G26 respectively. Prepared samples were tested for tensile, flexural and drop weight tests using relevant ASTM standards. The experimental results showed a significant improvement in the mechanical properties of G26 foil. The tensile and bending strengths were higher than those of G16 and G4. As expected, this is ultimately due to the longitudinal orientation of the fibers in G16. Three finite element (FE) models of G4, G16 and G26 were also established under the influence of a low velocity using specialized software. Different energies 3, 9 and 15 J were applied to the samples. The finite element (FE) curve obtained by simulation was analyzed and compared to the (Force- Displacement) FD curve obtained experimentally. The level of higher values of forces obtained from scalar is almost identical to the level of maximum force values obtained from experimental tests. However, there was difference in level of displacement between them. Highest power obtained from G26, followed by G16, then G4. The bumper performance was determined by FE analysis taken for mechanical properties and applied to the software (Abaqus). The G26 design is the best for absorbing bumper energy. More tests and analysis are recommended to confirm the relationship and to validate economic feasibility