Modelling, simulation and experimental validation of bend tests on GFRP laminate beam and plate specimens

The study concerns glass-polyester laminates, i.e. polyester resin reinforced with E-glass balanced plain weave fabric and/or E-glass mat. Experimental 3-point bend tests were carried out on homogeneous laminate beams reinforced with glass fabric or glass mat and on mixed laminate beams and plates reinforced with a glass fabric/glass mat ply sequence. In order to select the adequate failure criteria, bend tests on homogeneous laminate beams were modelled numerically and simulated using MSC.Marc finite element code. In relation to laminae reinforced with glass fabric the Hashin Fabric failure criterion was selected, and in reference to laminae reinforced each with glass mat the Max Strain failure criterion was selected. The adequacy of the selected failure criteria was validated experimentally by bend tests on mixed laminate beams and plates. Good qualitative and quantitative agreement of the simulated pressure force vs. deflection charts with those of the experimental tests was obtained.