Abstract

The development of composite materials made up of natural fibers is improving in engineering applications such as Automotive, Marine and Aerospace, due to its properties such as high specific strength, renewable, non-abrasive, low cost, bio-degradability. Many researchers have identified different natural fibers used to substitute glass fiber, among them jute appears to be favorable material because of its low cost, high strength, high aspect ratio, good insulating and low thermal conductivity. Hence the objective of this research work was to evaluate the mechanical properties of hybrid composites such as tensile strength, flexural strength and impact strength using static test methods as per ASTM standards and Finite Element Analysis was done to evaluate the properties of the composite laminate and compared results of FEA with experimental results. The composite laminates used for the present investigation was fabricated using hand layup technique. Incorporation of natural and glass fiber in different stacking sequence used to prepare hybrid laminates. The outcome of the present investigation indicate that hybrid composite laminates improve strength and can be used as alternate material for automotive application and Finite Element Analysis results proved the experimental results.

Keywords: Hybrid composites, mechanical properties, natural fiber, finite element analysis