Tensile Test Simulation of CFRP Test Specimen Using Finite Elements

The present work intends to provide a numerical tool for the efficient design of the multidirectional carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) material using finite element simulation software ABAQUS®. A 3D model has been established for simulation of the tensile test composite specimen which enables to understand the mechanical strength and strain at failure of the composite materials. 15 ply CFRP specimens with various stacking sequences were analyzed for their strength and displacement. Exhaustive parametric studies reveal the dependency of reinforcing material and ply orientation on the strength and stiffness of composite materials. Carbon fibers with cross ply lamination were found to be stiffer than angle ply glass fiber lamination. A fairly good comparison was obtained between the predicted results with available experimental and theoretical data in open literature