Simulation of tensile behavior of FRP composite material using finite element analysis

Abstract

Fiber reinforcement polymer (FRP) composites material possesses excellent properties such as high specific stiffness, high strength-to-weight ratio, resistance of corrosion and weariness. However, number of factors control like type, orientation and architecture of fiber will be affecting the mechanical properties of FRP composite, thus, a study to compare the number of factor controls using tensile test through finite element analysis (FEA) and experimental method are essential. Tensile properties is used in selecting the suitable material for engineering applications and usually utilized to predict the mechanical behavior of material under loading form. In experimental method, the FRP composite panels were fabricated by using vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) method before the tensile test was carried out to test the mechanical properties of the composite by using Universal Testing Machine (UTM). In addition, Finite Element Analysis (FEA) simulation was used to determine the development of damage of FRP composite as the composite material is deformed. At the end, the result from the simulation and experimental are validated and analyzed. The outcome shows that volume fraction of fibers, angle of fiber and the architecture of fiber will influence the tensile properties of FRP composite under the tensile loading.