AN INVESTIGATION OF THE MECHANICAL PERFORMANCE OF WEFT-KNIT MILANO-RIB GLASS EPOXY COMPOSITES/

An experimental programme has been carried out to study the mechanical performance of resin transfer moulded composites comprising a weft-kn it glass fabric of Milano-rib architecture. A number of mechanical pro perties, i.e. tension, compression, bearing, impact and post-impact co mpression, were considered for laminates containing up to 12 layers of knitted fabric. With respect to more conventional composites, the kni tted composites were found to have relatively poor tension and compres sion properties, but comparable bearing performance, and superior ener gy absorption and post-damage properties. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Lt d. All rights reserved.