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Composites theory

Published: 24 June 2012
Last updated: 04 July 2012

Density of composite materials

  • ρEpoxy-resin = 1.1 g/cm³
  • ρCarbon-fiber = 1.78 g/cm³
  • ρE-glass-fiber = 2.54 g/cm³
  • ρAramide-fiber = 1.45 g/cm³

Fiber volume fraction Vf

Vf at different manufacturing methods

The norm for specifying the fiber / resin ratio is the ratio of fiber versus total volume. So, in practice, weight has to be converted into volume. The fiber volume fraction [Vf] that can be achieved, depends on the manufacturing method:

  • 50%. Hand lay-up, without vacuum.
  • 60-70%. Vacuum infusion / hand lay-up with vacuum bagging.
  • 80%. Advanced autoclave technology, used in aviation.

Fiber volume fraction Vf calculation

V=volume, M=mass, ρ=density

  • Vf = Vfiber / Vtotal
  • Vtotal = Vresin + Vfiber
  • Vf = 1/(1 + Vresin / Vfiber))
  • V = M/ρ
  • Vf = 1 / (1 + (Mresin / ρresin) / (Mfiber / ρfiber))
  • For a carbon fiber / epoxy laminate: Vf = 1 / (1+ 1.6 * Mepoxy / Mcarbon)

For hybrid laminates:

  • Vf = 1 / (1 + (Mresin / ρresin) / (Mfiber1 / ρfiber1 + Mfiber2 / ρfiber2))

Example of fiber volume fraction Vf calculation

Here is an example of a 5x10cm carbon sheet, made with my DIY vacuum pump, 4 carbon-fiber layers and epoxy resin.

  • Total: 6.29g
  • Carbon: 4.24g
  • Mepoxy = total – Mcarbon = 2.05g
  • Vf = 1 / (1+ 1.6 * Mepoxy / Mcarbon) = 0.56

How to use the Google's built-in calculator function

How to use the Google's built-in calculator functionHow to use the Google's built-in calculator function

Calculation of the required amount of resin for a laminate

If Vf is known, the required amount of resin can be calculated:

  • Mresin = Mfiber * (1 / Vf – 1) * ρresin / ρfiber, (M = mass)
  • For a carbon fiber / epoxy laminate: Mepoxy = Mcarbon * (1 / Vf – 1) / 1.6
Vf Mepoxy/Mcarbon
30% 1.46
35% 1.16
40% 0.94
45% 0.76
50% 0.63
55% 0.51
60% 0.42
65% 0.34
70% 0.27

Will be continued...