Modelling and Comparative Analysis of Epoxy-Fly-Ash Composite with Alloys for Bracket Application

Abstract

The current study compares and analyses the fly-ash–epoxy composite structure with alloys for bracket applications. A dispersed reinforcement composite is created by combining epoxy and fly-ash. Three different prototypical brackets are modelled and analysed using the finite element method, and their results are compared to common alloys used in the manufacture of L-shaped brackets. The mechanical properties of the composite material are calculated using a rule of mixtures, and the properties of the composite material are modified by changing the percentage composition of fly-ash. Based on equivalent stress and total deformation, all geometrical models are analysed and compared. The analysis results appear to be appropriate for broadening the scope of the application of epoxy-based composites for small-scale and large-scale applications. The results also show that the composite material can be used to make a variety of structural elements with high design complexity, such as bulkheads and other structural components.

L-Brackets for Heavy Duty Shelves: Stress Analysis

“…A. B. Raghunandan et al [4] analysed and made comparisons between fly-ash-epoxy composite structures with varying volume fractions of fly-ash and fly-ash content (5%, 10%, 15%) and alloys for bracket applications. They modelled three different prototypical brackets and conducted analysis on each bracket by the utilization of finite element analysis (FEA) in which the results they obtained from the analysis were compared to the results obtained from common alloys used in the manufacturing of L-shaped brackets.…”