MODAL ANALYSIS OF A LAMINATE PLATE WITH 10 MM NOTCH FOCUSED ON THE EFFECT OF A FUNCTIONALLY ORIENTED FABRIC LAYUP WITH 20 MM WIDE CARBON STRIPS

Functionally oriented fabric (FOF) is a woven textile featuring irregularly distributed secondary material strips in both warp and weft directions, designed to locally improve the mechanical properties of laminates, particularly around openings. This study investigates the impact of different FOF laminate layups on the natural frequencies of laminates with a 10 mm notch. The analyzed layup configurations include [0/90]s, [0/45]s, and [0/30/60]s, with 20 mm wide carbon strips incorporated into the glass fiber structure. The research demonstrates that the FOF structure significantly increases the natural frequencies about 20 % for bending modes of 0/90 layup. About 5 % and almost 30 % for twisting and bending modes respectively in the 0/30/60 layup, and over 20 % and about 40 % for twisting and bending modes respectively in the 0/45 layup. These enhancements help to prevent resonance in standard operating frequencies of mechanisms and machines, thus extending their operational lifespan. Additionally, the strategic placement of functional material strips around structural openings provides increased stiffness without the need for extra layers, effectively reducing the laminate's overall mass. This study highlights the potential of FOF to improve the dynamic performance and lifespan of laminated composite structures used in various engineering applications.