Finite Element Analysis And Experimental Validation Of Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composites Under Flexural Loading

Abstract

Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites have emerged as critical materials in engineering applications due to their high strength-to-weight ratio and excellent mechanical performance. This study presents a combined numerical and experimental investigation to evaluate the flexural behavior of FRP composites under three-point bending. A detailed finite element analysis (FEA) using ABAQUS was performed, incorporating orthotropic material properties and appropriate boundary conditions to simulate flexural loading scenarios. The FEA results were validated through experimental testing on fabricated FRP specimens using standard ASTM D790 procedures. Load-deflection behavior, failure modes, and stress distribution were analyzed and compared across both methods. The outcomes demonstrated strong agreement between simulation and experimentation, confirming the reliability of the numerical model. This study contributes to the predictive modeling of FRP composite structures and supports optimized material design in structural and automotive applications.