Investigating the transverse behavior of Glass–Epoxy composites under intermediate strain rates

In this study, the strain rate effects on transverse tensile and compressive properties of unidirectional Glass fiber reinforced polymeric composites are investigated. To demonstrate strain rate effects, the tensile and compressive composite specimens with identical configuration are fabricated and tested to failure in the transverse direction at quasi-static strain rate of approximately 0.001 s−1 and intermediate strain rates of 1–100 s−1. The tensile and compressive tests are performed using a servo-hydraulic testing apparatus equipped with strain rate increasing mechanisms. For performing the practical tests, a jig and a fixture and other test supplies are designed and manufactured. The performance of the test jig is evaluated and showed that it is adequate for composites testing under tension and compression loads. The effects of strain rate on mechanical properties (maximum strength, modulus, and strain to failure) are considered. The characteristic results for the transverse properties indicate that damage evolution is strain-rate-dependent for the examined material. Also, a strain-rate-dependent empirical material model associated with different regression constants is proposed based on the experimental results obtained to characterize the rate dependent behavior of Glass/Epoxy composite material.