Hygrothermal effect on natural frequency and damping characteristics of basalt/epoxy composites

This research focuses on the experimental and analytical study of hygrothermal effects on natural frequency of fibre reinforced plastic composites. Fiber reinforced composites are widely used in structural applications like aero industry, marine industry, civil industry ext; due to its good strength and stiffness. But these composites absorb moisture or water when it is used in the moisture environment and the composites will be swollen and which reduces the strength and stiffness of the material. This moisture may lead to reduction of strength and stiffness Natural frequency of materials is connected to stiffness of the material. This work is concentrated on how the natural frequency of Basalt Fiber reinforced composites (BFRP) are affected due to weave pattern, thickness of the material, water absorption at various immersion conditions. Three types of Basalt fabrics are selected (Plain weave, twill weave and qudraxial) BFRP composites with two different thickness(3mm, 5mm)are fabricated using hand lay-up process..Fabrication of composite materials using basalt fibres has been done. We have chosen materials with two different thickness and also basalt fibre with different weave patterns. The experimental setup for beams has been done. Moisture absorption co-efficient is determined by immersing the material in mineral water at various time durations. Modal analysis have been carried out to determine the natural frequency and damping coefficient for BFRP composites with three different weave patterns and two different thickness. Results shows that damping coefficient varies with weave pattern and moisture conditions.