Influence of Fiber Orientation on Mechanical Properties and Free Vibration Characteristics of Glass/Hemp Hybrid Composite Laminates

Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite materials made of synthetic fibers are commonly used in aircraft and automotive structures due to their specific property of high strength-to-weight ratio. The non-biodegradable nature of synthetic fibers and increase in demand of environment-friendly materials now made natural fibers as best alternative material to synthetic fibers. In this view, hybridization of synthetic E-glass fiber with natural hemp fiber is proposed to promote the usage of natural fibers in structural applications without much compromise in structural integrity. In the present study, the influence of fiber orientation over effective stacking sequence of E-glass/hemp hybrid composite laminates was investigated in terms of mechanical and free vibration characteristics. The hybrid composite laminates are fabricated by hand lay-up method. Two types of composite laminates were prepared in effective stacking sequence of GHHG with two different orientations fibers such as (0°/90°) and (45°/45°) for hemp fiber. The mechanical properties such as tensile and flexural strength were evaluated according to ASTM standards. Free vibration characteristics such as modal frequency and modal damping values of hybrid composite laminates are analyzed by experimental modal analysis. The results of modal frequency and mode shapes of hybrid composite beams were stated and discussed.