Track: Material Engineering

Abstract

Industrial and infrastructural applications and biodegradable structural applications using hemp fibers are getting high attention. The purpose of this research is to develop innovative techniques and combinations to use composites in agricultural, infrastructural and other relevant industries. The products including graphite or hemp reinforced polymers with different volume fractions and orientations are considered. There exist a large number of varieties that could be used in the commercial production, we explore only two laminates in this investigation. Broad aspects of investigating mechanical response of composites and their products are given in reference [Soni]. This is from the user manual of a software package developed at AdTech Systems Research in collaboration with Air Force Research Laboratory.  This research was initiated through discussions with researchers in the group, identifying important constituents for composites and desirable applications. An attempt is made to investigate a set of sample cases by running ASCA Code for 2 representative composite laminates. Using analytical techniques, effective response characteristics of representative composites are predicted and given in this paper. Based upon this research a set of influencing factors will be identified, specific number of composite laminates will be chosen, manufactured, analyzed and tested for their performance characteristics. Further research is in progress for comparative studies between predicted and experimental values.