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

• Published in: Journal of composites science Vol. 6; no. 12; p. 358
• Main Authors: Abhijay B. Raghunandan, Dundesh S. Chiniwar, Shivashankar Hiremath, Pavankumar Sondar, H. M. Vishwanatha
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 01-11-2022
• Subjects: alloy material; bracket; epoxy; finite element method; fly-ash
• ISSN: 2504-477X
• DOI: 10.3390/jcs6120358

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.