This document describes the development and study of flexural strength of composite materials using a self-designed flexural testing module for a Universal Testing Machine (UTM). The objectives were to develop the flexural testing module, compare data from a ductile material to known values, and develop and test jute fiber and glass fiber reinforced composite materials. A flexural module was designed with a base, columns, and indenter from mild steel. Jute and glass fiber composites were fabricated via hand layup. The composites and a cast iron sample were tested using the flexural module attached to the UTM. Results showed the need for improvements to increase the UTM's load sensitivity and composite polishing techniques. Future work proposed sensor

1. DEVELOPMENT AND STUDY OF FLEXURAL STRENGTH
OF COMPOSITE MATERIALS USING SELF DESINGED
FLEXURAL TESTING MODULE FOR UTM
Presented By-
Pranta Saha [15.01.08.014]
Tanvir Anam [15.01.08.034]
Didarul Alam [15.01.08.057]
Supervised By- Dr. Fazle Rabbi
Assistant Professor
Department of MPE, AUST

2. What is Composite Materials?
 Composite materials are created from two or more types of
materials
 The different materials work together to give the composite a
unique property to those of individual component.
 For example : Polymer Composites, Ceramic Composites.
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3. Characteristics of Composite
Materials
 High specific strength
 High specific stiffness
 Low Density
 Unique combination of properties
 Corrosion resistance
 Wear resistance
 Fatigue Resistance
 Creep Resistance
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4. Why Study Composite materials ?
 In today’s demanding era, selection of composite
materials over conventional materials has become a
normal practice
 Used for structural purposes, composite materials has
the advantage.
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5. Application of Composite Materials
 Aircraft Industries
 Automotive Industries
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6. Application of Composite Materials
 Wind Turbine
 Construction Site
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7. Thesis Objectives
 Development of Flexural testing module (Commonly known as Three-point
bending machine) for Universal Testing Machine (UTM in short).
 Comparing the achieved data of a ductile material with a known value.
 Development of Jute fiber reinforced composite material.
 Development of Glass fiber reinforced composite material.
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8. Flexural Module Design
Based on mainly three parts:
1. Base
2. Column
3. Indenter
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9. Flexural Module Design
Base:
 Mild steel was used for the module.
 It also got two Capsule type slotting at each side of the Base
module
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10. Figure : Before Capsule Slotting After Capsule slotting

11. Flexural Module Design
Column:
 Mild steel is used for the module.
 Allen key is used to tighten the columns' leg.
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12. Figure : Columns

13. Flexural Module Design
Indenter:
 Is mainly used for bending purpose
 Mild Steel was used for making the indenter
 A screw was drilled on to the head of the indenter
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14. Figure : Indenter

15. Methodology and Result
Divided in to two sections
1. Setting up the flexural testing module in UTM.
2. Fabrication and testing of composite materials.
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16. Methodology and Result
 Testing was done with the help of flexural testing module which was
attached to the UTM machine.
 Observing the result
 Comparing the data.
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17. Figure 5.1: Cast iron Figure 5.2: Testing on progress

18. Deflection (In mm)
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
3.5
4
0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9
Load Vs Deflection
Load(InKN)

19. Methodology and Result
 Hand lay-up method or, open molding method in short was chosen
to make the composite materials.
 Two types of composite materials were decided to make
1. Jute fiber reinforced composite material
2. Glass fiber reinforced composite material.
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20. Methodology and Result
In open molding process these components were used,
o Molding glass plate
o Transparent paper
o Jute Mat/Glass Mat
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21. o Polyester
o M.E.K.P
o Weight measuring machine
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22. Figure 6.6: Jute Fiber Figure 6.7: Glass fiber

23. Limitations
 UTM machine’s ability to register load was too low .
 Preparation of Jute fiber/Glass fiber composite needs more polishing .
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24. Future Plan
 Preparing a molding box for making composite materials more precisely.
 Coir fiber extraction and Composite development.
 Development of hybrid composite materials.
 Making some modification to the module and to the UTM machine itself.
 Measuring the flexural strength and stress-strain curve of the composite materials .
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25. Figure : Rectangular Sensor Figure: S-Shaped Sensor
Figure : Modification of Flexural Module using rectangular sensor

26. THANK YOU
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