Date

6-2012

Degree Name

BS in Aerospace Engineering

Department

Aerospace Engineering Department

Advisor(s)

Eltahry Elghandour

Abstract

The objective of this experiment is to conduct a series of unidirectional tensile test on several samples of natural occurring plant fibers. Among the materials tested, hemp has proven to be the most promising candidate as the base material in creating an all-natural composite I-Beam. This I-Beam will be entered into the annual SAMPE 2012 competition to compete against other schools and universities nationwide. These I-Beams will undergo a three point bending test, and must withstand the greatest load whilst remaining in the parameters set by SAMPE. This I-Beam will go on to take third place internationally. In addition, the properties of hemp composites will be further investigated by creating the same I-Beam, but introducing a small fracture to the underside in order to observe how the composite interacts in the presence of fracture.