Evaluation of mechanical properties on banyan fiber reinforced polymer matrix composite using FEA

摘要

The use of natural fiber composites is considered as the green when compared to other man-made fibers. They are biodegradable, recyclable. They are inherently available with properties like low density, high strength to weight ratio and are low cost when compared to synthetic fibers. The main experiment is to use finite element analysis on banyan fiber composite beam. The composite beam is processed by using hand layout method. The composite beam is prepared in two different orientations where one is random orientation and the other is unidirectional orientation. The composite beam is made in three types. The first beam has epoxy resin and hardener. The second has banyan fiber in short strands with epoxy resin and hardener. The third has banyan fiber in powdered form with epoxy resin and hardener. Mechanical tests such as tensile test and impact test were carried out to find the properties of the composite. Finally, the mechanical properties are used to analyze the composite fiber using finite element analysis using ANSYS software for determining the deflection and stress properties. The study has been carried out in regards to the advantages of natural fiber over synthetic fiber.