FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS OF FIBRE-REINFORCED COMPOSITE BEAM

The aim of this project is to investigate the mechanical behaviour of composite beams which are reinforced with fibres in one preferred direction. A detailed analysis of the basic micromechanical concepts of composite materials will be presented, i.e. the role of the matrix and fibres. A thorough study of available beam theories will follow and comparisons, in terms of strength and stiffness, with non-composite beams will be presented. The software used is either ANSYS or ABAQUS.