Numerical simulation and flexural strength analysis of jute/epoxy laminated composites using ANSYS workbench

Abstract

The increasing demand for environmentally sustainable yet mechanically efficient materials has driven interest in natural fiber-reinforced composites, particularly jute-based laminates. While jute fibers offer biodegradability and cost-effectiveness, their limited mechanical performance necessitates further study for structural applications. This research aims to evaluate the flexural behavior of jute/epoxy laminated composites using numerical simulation with ANSYS Workbench 2022 and validate the findings through experimental testing. The primary objectives are to (1) analyze the impact of jute fiber layer configurations on stress distribution and deformation behavior, (2) determine the correlation between the number of fiber layers and flexural strength, and (3) verify the accuracy of the numerical model using experimental data. The composite specimens were fabricated with one to four woven jute layers, following ASTM D790 standards, and tested using a three-point bending setup. Finite Element Method (FEM) simulations were conducted to evaluate stress distribution and identify optimal configurations. Results showed that increasing the number of jute layers significantly reduced stress concentrations and enhanced load-bearing capacity. A four-layer composite exhibited a 31.5% improvement in flexural strength compared to a single-layer configuration. Furthermore, numerical predictions closely matched experimental values, with deviation margins between 1.63% and 2.16%, confirming the model's reliability. These findings highlight the potential of jute/epoxy laminates as sustainable structural materials and demonstrate the effectiveness of FEM-based simulations in optimizing composite designs. Future research should explore hybridization strategies and environmental durability to further enhance performance for industrial applications.