Numerically and Experimentally Studying of some Mechanical Properties of the Polyester Matrix Composite Material Reinforced by Jute Fibers

Abstract

This research focuses on the preparation of polymer matrix composite material by (hand lay – up) method, where the material (rectangular beam) was prepared from unsaturated polyester resin as a matrix reinforced by natural jute fiber with different volume fraction (3%, 4%, 5%, 6%). Numerical studies by using finite element method (Ansys 11 package) to study the effect of selected volume fractions of jute fibers on the bending properties. Results of this experimental research indicate that increasing the volume fraction of jute fibers lead to increase bending modulus of elasticity. The values of flexural strength and shear stress increase with the increase of jute fibers volume fraction while the values of deflection and maximum strain decreases for both experimental and numerical studies.

Keywords

• composite materials
• jute fibers
• polyester
• bending modulus of elasticity
• flexural strength
• shear stress