The effect of biocomposite material in a composite structure under compression loading

While composite structures exhibit exceptional strength and weight saving possibilities for engineering applications, sometimes their overall cost and/or material performance can limit their usage when compared to conventional structural materials. Meanwhile 'biocomposites', composite structures consisting of natural fibres (i.e., bamboo fibres), display higher cost efficiency and unique structural benefits such as 'sustainability'. This analysis will determine if the integration of these two different types of composites are beneficial to the overall structure. Specifically, the structure will consist of a one internal bamboo veneer biocomposite ply; and two external carbon fibre weave composite plies surrounding the bamboo biocomposite. To acquire results of this study, the hypothesised composite structure will consist of varied trapezoidal corrugated specimens and tested in uniaxial compression loading. Thereafter, this test data will be used to ultimately design, manufacture, and test a structural biocomposite/composite box, intended to carry extremely high compressive loads; relative to its own weight. A finite element analysis of this test will be used to validate experimental data.