Faculty Publications

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    Development of Sustainable Jute/Epoxy Composite and Assessing the Effect of Rubber Crumb on Low Velocity Impact Response
    (Taylor and Francis Ltd., 2022) Mahesh, V.; Mahesh, V.; Harursampath, D.; Joladarashi, S.; Kulkarni, S.M.
    In the current study, the experimental assessment of influence of rubber crumb on the low velocity impact (LVI) behavior of jute epoxy composites are carried out using two types of impactors namely hemispherical and conical. Hand layup technique is used to fabricate the proposed composites. The rubber crumb is incorporated in the epoxy resin with 1.5 wt%, 3 wt%, and 5 wt%. Results revealed that incorporation of 3 wt% of rubber crumb resulted in better LVI response compared to its counterparts. Fractography studies revealed that inclusion of rubber crumb particles enhances the adhesion between resin and fiber, thereby increasing the energy absorption. In addition, they aid in reducing damage area and increasing penetration threshold of proposed composites. The current study’s systematic technique serves as a model for the efficient use and conversion of waste rubber crumb into usable natural fiber reinforced polymer matrix composites for LVI applications. © 2022 Taylor & Francis.
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    Experimental and numerical investigation on the elastic properties of luffa–cenosphere-reinforced epoxy hybrid composite
    (John Wiley and Sons Inc, 2024) Gurjar, A.K.; Kulkarni, S.M.; Joladarashi, S.; Doddamani, S.
    Estimating the elastic characteristics of natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites such as luffa fiber reinforced with epoxy is challenging. The structure of luffa cylindrica is complex, like a three-dimensional natural fibrous mat, netting-like structure. The multiscale modeling of such structures is the challenge to be addressed. The prime objective of this work is to determine the specific elastic properties of luffa–cenosphere-reinforced epoxy (LCE) composite, considering the effect of filler volume fractions. Furthermore, multiscale modeling techniques, such as representative volume elements (RVEs) of finite element techniques with chopped, unidirectional, plain, and twill weaving fiber arrangements, were employed. The longitudinal modulus, transverse modulus, shear modulus, and Poisson's ratio were predicted through these modeling approaches. However, experimental and analytical methodologies, including the rule of mixture and Halpin–Tsai, were considered to validate the finite element analysis results. The elastic characteristics of LCE composite were therefore shown to be enhanced by increasing filler volume fraction. However, the cenosphere's 20% volume fraction has the highest elastic properties as determined by analytical, experimental, and computational models. Analytical and finite element simulation results were compared with the experimental results, and based on the findings, the most suitable (unidirectional, chopped, plain, and twill weaving) RVE was identified for finite element modeling of LCE composite for the evaluation of elastic properties. Results from practical approaches and the RVE twill weaving model showed good agreement, with less than 1% error, compared to the other analytical and finite element methods. Highlights: NFCs are gaining ground in polymer composites. Overcoming challenges in modeling of luffa fiber inside epoxy matrix. The study uses multiscale modeling with diverse fiber arrangements. Experimental and analytical methods used to confirm FEA results. Increased cenosphere volume fraction boosts LCE composite properties. © 2024 Society of Plastics Engineers.
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    Mode-I fracture behaviour of aramid/glass-epoxy interply hybrid composites
    (SAGE Publications Ltd, 2025) Kanakannavar, S.; Biradar, S.; Hiremath, S.; Rajole, S.; Pitchaimani, J.; Kulkarni, S.M.; Goh, K.-L.
    This article presents the influence of hybridisation of aramid and glass fibre woven fabric on fracture toughness (KIC) of the composites. Experiments using single-edge-notched-bending (SENB) were conducted to investigate the hybridisation effect on the Mode I fracture toughness specimen of aramid/glass laminates. The results revealed that the aramid epoxy composites yielded the highest KIC, followed by aramid/glass epoxy hybrid composites, and finally, glass epoxy composites, which exhibited the lowest KIC. Fracture micrographs of the hybrid composites showed similar fracture patterns – fibre pullout, fibre rupture and matrix rupture – to those of the aramid and glass epoxy composites. The mechanical properties of the hybrid composites being inferior to those of the aramid epoxy composites suggest that there is no advantage in using glass fibres to partially replace aramid fibres in achieving hybrid composites. © The Author(s) 2025