A simplified approach for flexural behavior of epoxy resin materials

A piecewise-linear parametric uniaxial tension and compression stress-strain model with a simplified post-peak response is developed to obtain the nonlinear load deflection response of epoxy resin materials which are considerably stronger in compression than tension. This model could be used to obtain flexural strength when the complete post-peak behavior of the material in tension and compression is not available. The tension and compression stress-strain curves are bilinear for pre-peak response followed by a constant flow stress in tension and a constant yield stress in compression in the post-peak response. The simulations and experiments reveal the suitability of this model for predicting the three-point bending and four-point bending response. This model gives an upper bound estimate for flexural over-strength factor.