Axial compression tests on nanoclay epoxy-based fiber glass cylindrical shells

Composite structures are feasible for use in space and civil application where weight and damage tolerance are critical. This paper describes the influence of nanoclay in epoxy-based fiber-glass composite cylindrical shells and its behavior under quasi-static axial compression. Experimental tests were performed according to ASTM standards using an instron testing machine. The cylindrical shells used in the experiment are made from glass/epoxy by filament winding processing. The matrix of the nanocomposite has been obtained by adding 0%, 2%, 5%, 7% nanoclays in weight into epoxy matrix. Different aspects of manufacturing that include tooling and other processing aspects are presented in this paper. Axial compression tests have been carried out and results are compared with finite element analysis. Results are summarized to identify the performance of using nanoclay materials. The stiffness and buckling strength of nanocomposite shells increase continuously with increasing clay content. Conclusions are drawn on the efficacies of performance of nanoclay materials

Keywords:

Nanocomposites , Nanoclay , Compressive test , Cylindrical shells