Strain Analysis of an Epoxy Resin Based Composites – Laboratory and Simulation Comparative Studies

In this paper issues of stress analysis of composite materials are presented. The components of composite materials and principles of composition has been discussed. Particular attention was paid to the epoxy resins and the fabrics made from carbon fibers. The article also includes basic information about strain measurements performed on with a resistance strain gauge method. For the purpose of the laboratory tests a series of carbon - epoxy composite samples were made. The main aim of the studies was to compare the results of two different research methods – laboratory and simulation method. During laboratory strain tests described in the paper, a composite samples were loaded with a specified load. Tenmex's delta type strain gauge rosettes were used to measure strain. They were arranged in specific locations on the surface of the samples. Data acquisition procedure were carried out using HBM measurement station. Numerical studies were carried out in a computing environment, Siemens NX 9.0. The results of simulation and laboratory tests were compared and presented in the form of graphs. They allow you to validate the method of laboratory measurements. The results of both research types have shown the percentage difference between them for individual loads applied to each composite.