Comprehensive assessment of hybrid GFRP-graphite filler using modified complex Arcan fixture: Experimental and simulation approach

A detailed understanding of the interlaminar fracture, intralaminar fracture, and translaminar fracture progression of GFRP was studied using a complex Arcan fixture. A loading angle of 0–150° was successfully tested with detailed characteristics evaluated on 0°, 45°, and 90°. The different behaviors of the specimens were recorded in shear, tensile shear, and tensile stress. At these angles, the specimens reach 9.13, 36.00, and 51.64 MPa, while reaching the shear strain of 0.311, 0.153, and 0.046 με, respectively. FEM analysis was also incorporated to obtain the fracture behavior and stress distribution in the notch. Mises stress was 9.754 MPa, close to the average of 9.519 MPa from experiments. Adding graphite filler to the composite increases the composite's shear stress but reduced shear strain. 0.5 graphite filler became the optimal ratio by making the shear stress reach 16.94 MPa with a minimum decrease in shear strain with 0.293 με. © 2024 Elsevier Ltd