DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A GLASS FIBER REINFORCED HYBRID POLYMER MATRIX COMPOSITE WASHING MACHINE DRUM SUPPORT REPLACING CAST ALUMINUM ALLOY

Abstract

Today, polymeric composites are mostly used in statically loaded rather than dynamic load-bearing parts in machines. Their light weightiness, durability, relatively low prices, flexibility in their use, and fast production features constantly have been opening new ways for their use. In this study, the design, analysis, and experimental verification of a short glass fiber reinforced polyamide + polyphthalamide hybrid polymer machine part functioning under dynamically varying loads and harsh chemical and heated environments is presented. One such machine part is a washing machine drum support to which no composite material had ever been applied successfully before, as known to the authors. The study shows that at least 50% short glass fiber reinforcement, long term polymeric material mechanical properties as well as certain geometric stiffening modifications have been applied for this composite part to function as an equivalent cast aluminum alloy part.