Analysis of a Vacuum-Infused Carbon Fiber/Epoxy Composite Beam under 3-Point Bending

Abstract

In this paper, a hollow square cross-section carbon fiber/epoxy composite beam was designed and manufactured. Evaluation of the beam behavior considered orientation and stacking sequence, aiming to reduce the number of layers and weight. Finite element method (FEM) was used to simulate the performance of the composite beam under 3-point bending and using three failure criteria, Tsai-Hill, Tsai-Wu and maximum stress. In order to identify the input parameters for the model, flat composites were tested under tension and compression. It was concluded that a minimum of 12 layers of unidirectional carbon fiber were required to reach the required load (44.5 kN). The prototype was successfully fabricated by vacuum-infusion process and subjected to 3-point bending test. The experimental failure load was within the predicted range by the Tsai-Hill failure criteria and maximum stress.