Investigation of influence of tab types on tensile strength of E-glass/epoxy fiber reinforced composite materials

Mechanical response of E-glass/epoxy fiber reinforced composite was investigated in tensile loading. Different types of tabs were considered in order to evaluate their effects on the tensile strength of material. Specifically, two types of molded tabs and five types of bonded tabs were considered in the study. The influence of different amount of gripping pressures on failure mode and on tensile strength of specimens was also considered in the analysis. The experimental results showed that the tabs configuration affected the tensile strength of the specimens. Starting from the experimental results, an appropriate testing methodology is proposed for E-glass/epoxy fiber reinforced composite specimens in order to reduce problems that may arise during the test and to optimize procedures for preparation of specimens.