Effect of Fiber Angle on Mechanical Properties of the Natural Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Through Numerical Analysis

Abstract

This study focuses on the mechanical behavior of natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites (NFRPs), which are gaining prominence as sustainable materials due to their biodegradability and eco-friendliness. In this study, we aimed to gain a profound understanding of the mechanical behavior of selected NFRPs. Static structural analysis was conducted to simulate tensile effects, while vibrational analysis was performed to predict natural frequencies. The results indicated that all fibers exhibited minimum stress at the 67.5° angle and maximum stress at the 22.5° angle during tensile testing. Additionally, minimum deformation occurred at the 0° angle, whereas maximum deformation was observed at the 67.5° angle. Interestingly, the NFRPs exhibited similar natural frequencies for the lower modes (1st and 2nd), with negligible alterations due to fiber angles. The core aim of this study is to showcase the practicality and viability of the investigated NFRPs by employing sophisticated finite element analysis to anticipate their material behavior beforehand, allowing for a comprehensive comparison of the natural frequencies, stresses, and deformations with traditional Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) composites, thereby exploring the potential of NFRPs as feasible alternatives.