Finite element analysis and validation of tensile properties of carbon fiber reinforced polymer matrix composites

Abstract

In present day scenario, moving towards an environment friendly material may be a key issue for manufacturing industries so as to produce suitable alternatives for the prevailing conventional materials. Composite materials are being popular alternative materials within the last three decades because of their low cost and unmatched properties. Composite materials have grown in volume and number of applications over time, steadily entering and conquering new markets. Composite materials now account for a major portion of the development materials industry, starting from everyday products to classy niche applications. In the present work, carbon fiber reinforced composite specimen are fabricated by hand layup and vacuum bag method and experimental evaluation of mechanical properties like tensile test as per ASTM standard has been successfully completed. The tensile properties are studied and therefore the breaking load has been measured. The inclusion of carbon fiber material to composite significantly enhanced the ultimate tensile strength of the composite. The specimen is modelled using FEA and also the peak load and displacement results are analysed and compared. It is found that in comparision with FEA results there was a deviation of 7.65% in displacement and 8.52% in peak load.