Design optimization of sustainable panel systems using hybrid natural/synthetic fiber reinforced polymer composites

Natural fiber reinforced composites are an attractive alternative to traditional synthetic fiber reinforced composites because of their environmental benefits and low cost. However, the addition of natural fibers to a composite results in a lower stiffness material. A viable compromise between the higher material properties of synthetic fibers and the environmental benefits of natural fibers is found by utilizing both synthetic and natural fibers to create a hybrid fiber reinforced composite system. Material properties are also improved by efficient arrangement of the structural members. The use of hybrid natural/synthetic fiber reinforced composites for structural applications has been shown to be a feasible alternative to traditional synthetic building materials.;The strength and environmental performance of natural and synthetic fiber composites was studied by considering a floorboard panel application. The floorboard was optimized by altering the geometry of the cross sectional frame and the fiber material chosen for each ply of the composite. The frame was then optimized to minimize volume while meeting constraints on allowable strain, deflection and an environmental quota based on a life cycle assessment of each constituent material. The environmental constraint was altered to produce a range of optimized floorboard designs that will allow a designer to consider both strength and environmental requirements in a structural member design.