Numerical Analysis of the Experimental Mechanical Properties in Polyester Resins Reinforced with Natural Fibers

A numerical analysis based on polynomial interpolation was done to fit the experimental results of the mechanical characterization of a composite made of polyester resin and short natural fiber (palma samandoca-zacate). The experimental tensile strength of the composite was compared to the one obtained from a theoretical model. A correction factor, attributed to the empty spaces (voids) formed between the resin and the fibers, was necessary for fitting the experimental data. The behavior of this factor as a function of the fiber volume fraction showed that a polynomial interpolation could be used to approximate this function and then predict any point over the appropriate range.