Mechanical characterization of sheet molding compound composites

Abstract The present work was aimed at providing basic mechanical property characterization of five different sheet molding compound (SMC) materials with glass content varying from 30 to 65 percent by weight. In particular, the objectives were to find variation in their tensile, flexural, and shear properties along with some information on fabrication‐induced anisotropy that may be present in these materials. The flexural properties were measured using three‐point bend tests, and double‐rail shear tests were conducted for in‐plane shear properties. A significant scatter was observed in all the properties, and no conclusive evidence about the fabrication‐induced anisotropy was found, Flexural strength of each material was found to be significantly greater than the tensile strength. Finally, some interesting features associated with their tensile and flexural failure modes have also been discussed.