Characterization of elastic modulus and fracture toughness of randomly oriented chopped glass fibers functionally graded materials

A cost-effective fabrication method suitable for research purposes is proposed in this study. The elastic modulus of the fabricated functionally graded materials is evaluated and compared using two experimental methods: the three-point bending test and the tensile test, with a focus on the fiber volume fraction of the FGM layers. New methods for computing the elastic modulus are introduced, which are based on Castigliano's theorem and the secant modulus concept, incorporating the non-linear behavior of the material. Additionally, the mode I fracture toughness of the FGM layers is measured accurately using the threepoint bending test and finite element analysis, and the influence of varying fiber volume fractions on this parameter is investigated through statistical analysis. Results indicate that while an increase in fiber volume fraction correlates with a rise in elastic modulus, it does not necessarily lead to an enhancement in mode I fracture toughness, highlighting the complex interactions between material composition and mechanical properties.