Investigation of the dynamic behavior of hybrid composites using finite element and experimental method

Composite materials are used extensively nowadays because of their excellent strength-to-weight ratio, high hardness, and good tensile strength. The characteristics of the composite material are a function of the type of the fiber, i.e. natural or synthetic, size, a resin used and so on. Most industries are using hybrid composites nowadays to have the desired properties. In the present analysis, four different fibers, i.e. Carbon, E-Glass, Flax and Bamboo, are used, their composites hybrid composites have been created with ASTM D3039, and their mechanical behavior is investigated using Finite Element Analysis. The eigenvalues and vibrational behavior of the hybrid composites are analyzed through Finite Element Analysis. The eigenvalues and mechanical behavior are also determined through experimental testing and compared with the same obtained through Finite Element Analysis. The results obtained from the two methods agree well; therefore, the analytical model is validated. The optimum hybrid composite material is decided based on the mechanical properties, natural frequencies and damping ratio. The six hybrid composites show the natural frequency varies from 17 hz to 32 hz. Similar frequencies are predicted from Finite Element Analysis, and the maximum percentage error of experimental and Finite Element Analysis models varies up to 4%.