Abstract:
This study explores wind energy as a key power source in the renewable energy sector, focusing on the role of synthetic fiberglass and carbon fiber-reinforced polymer composites in manufacturing wind turbine blades. Adjusting the fiber layer arrangement has shown potential for enhancing the mechanical properties of these polymer composites. This article examines the impact of different fiber layer configurations on the mechanical characteristics of polymer composites. Two types of synthetic fibers and epoxy as a base material are used in the layer modifications. Composite structures with fiber layer configurations of C/C/C/C layer, G/G/G/G layer, C/G/C/G layer, C/G/G/C layer, and C/G/G/C layer are synthesized using the VARTM process. After successful fabrication, both physical (theoretical and experimental density, void content) and mechanical properties (tensile, flexural, hardness, and impact tests) are thoroughly characterized.
The results for void content reveal that it is lowest in panels with the same fiber type and higher in different-fiber panels. Across all measured properties, the C/C/C/C layer panel demonstrates superior mechanical performance compared to other configurations. Additionally, fiber layer alternation in C/G/C/G layer, C/G/G/C layer, and C/G/G/C layer panels improves mechanical properties compared to the G/G/G/G layer panel. These findings clearly indicate that altering fiber layers has a notable impact on the composite properties.
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