Modelling and mechanical properties evaluation for lap joint of natural composites using finite element method.

The present work aims to analyze the deformation and stresses of lap joints made of sisal fiber-reinforced composite joined with epoxy adhesive under a transverse load. Finite element models were created with varying numbers of layers in the adherent (two, four), and the response of each layer was identified in terms of deformations, normal stresses, and shear stresses. Additionally, the lap joint was modeled with Buckminster fullerene reinforcement, and the composite was prepared with sisal fiber composite and epoxy adhesive (S/E), sisal fiber-reinforced composite with Buckminster fullerene mixed epoxy adhesive composite (S/FMA), and sisal fiber reinforced with fullerene mixed epoxy and fullerene mixed epoxy adhesive (S/F/F/E). Comparative studies were performed to investigate the effectiveness of fullerene on the adhesive and the adherent by studying the deformations and stresses generated on each layer. The addition of fullerene to the adhesive and sisal fiber-reinforced composite reduced transverse deformation by 27.4%. Adding two more layers to the lap joint without increasing the total laminate thickness reduces stress in both the pure epoxy adhesive and fullerene mixed adhesive. This research is useful for designing lap joints reinforced with natural fibers and nano-reinforcements, while considering the influence of the number of layers in an adherend. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]