Finite element analysis of composite sandwich beams in 3-point bend test

• Main Author: Muhammad Zaki Bin Muhammad Zulkifli
• Other Authors: Chai Gin Boay
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: Nanyang Technological University 2024
• Subjects: Engineering; Composite material
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/177762
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

This Final Year Project report elucidates the finite element modelling and analysis of sandwich composite beams subjected to three-point bending tests. Utilizing the ANSYS FEA tool, the investigation explored the mechanical responses of five unique specimens with core thicknesses of 25.4 mm and 50.8 mm respectively. Simulations were tailored to reflect load tests, aiming to closely replicate actual manufacturing conditions and experimental setups. Comparative analysis between FEA results and historical experimental data revealed that two of the specimens failed in a brittle manner, while the other two failed due to core indentation. Notably, FEA suggested that specimens reinforced locally could bear greater loads, an outcome corroborated by Wee's experimental observations, which pointed to a marked improvement in performance for reinforced specimens under stress. [16] The application of FEA in this study provided a nuanced view of the behaviour of the composite beams during bending tests. Despite certain deviations from experimental data, the simulations were instrumental in predicting stress distributions, particularly identifying heightened stress concentrations in the midsections of the beams' surfaces. In conclusion, the FEA work performed with ANSYS proved to be a potent analytical approach, enhancing the understanding of the structural dynamics of sandwich composite beams. This project contributes to material science and structural engineering by demonstrating the predictive power of FEA and laying groundwork for future academic inquiry into composite material behaviour.