Glass Fibers/ Epoxy PVC Sandwich Composite for Train Body Structure

Abstract

Sandwich composites materials are of interest in industrial applications due to their high strength-to-weight ratio and tolerable mechanical properties. This study to describes the use of composite sandwich materials in train vehicles bodies to achieve requirements of performance increased speed, comfort to passengers, increased number of passengers , reduce high consumption of fuel and reduce weight of train. Material selection to railway vehicles bodies requirements includes E-glass fibers (woven type), matrix thermoset epoxy and poly vinyl chloride (PVC) foam. Fabrication process involves hand-lay-up methods, vacuum bag and curing by autoclave. Manufacturing sheet of composite material sandwich structure isotropic, flat sample configuration top face (-450 / 900/450/00), in core Sandwich structure (poly vinyl chloride (PVC) foam type) and back face (-450 / 900/450/00), sample with (6 and 3mm core thickness).Testing according to standard (ASTM C393-00 standard, ASTM D 7136 M-12 standards and ASTM C365-03 standard).From the above we can conclude that in 3 point pending test the specimen with (6 and 3 mm core thickness) in comparison with the specimen with (6 mm core thickness) has a higher flexural stiffness and in comparison to the specimen with (3 mm core thickness), a higher maximum load as well Through load- displacement curve we noticed that the specimen with (6 mm core thickness) has higher energy absorbed than specimen with (3 mm core thickness).On the other hand at drop-weight impact event it is found that the specimen with (6 mm core thickness) has batter energy absorption beaver than specimen with (3 mm core thickness).