Comparison of Tensile Strength of Composite Material Elements with Drilled and Molded-in Holes

Abstract. Holes are generally obtained through drilling operations; this causes a property decrease for polymer composites reinforced by fibers, brought about by damage due to fiber continuity interruption, and to delamination between the laminate layers. In this study, specimens with circular holes, both drilled and molded-in, obtained in different ways, are tested in order to investigate on whether it is possible to avoid the decrease in mechanical properties of components with holes. In particular, a number of laminates were manufactured by RIFT (Resin Infusion under Flexible Tool), a closed mold process capable of obtaining large and complex forms, impregnating, under vacuum, a dry preform placed on the rigid mold. At specific points of these laminates, molded-in holes are generated during the resin infusion phase, operating in two different ways: displacing or cutting the fibers in the dry preform. Tensile tests were carried out in order to compare the mechanical properties of elements in composite materials which have molded-in holes generated during the impregnation process, with the properties of those with holes produced after the resin cure by drill operations.