Finite element modeling of arcan testing method for ductile and brittle material under different loading configuration

Abstract

Recently, many scientistuse finite element analysis of Arcan test method to validate their experiment outcome as it providesseveral result which impossible to obtain by considering basic theoretical approach. This paper is based on the application ofArcan test method introduced by Arcan et al. to determine the shear strength and shear modulus of brittle and ductile materials.The aim of this research is to study the stress properties of both materials types under Arcan test method using Finite ElementAnalysis (FEA). The test method has been systematically run using ANSYS finite element analysis software involved CAD andfinite element modeling of the butterfly shape sample that was subjected to tensile load with different loading configurations. Thefinite element model is validated geometrically by ANSYS element shape checking capability. Nine samples of butterfly shapewere produced from each Selfix Carbofibre and Aluminium 6061 materials. Three samples from each group materials weretested for each loading configuration. Three samples of dumb-bell shape were prepared and tested to determine the tensilemodulus of Selfix Carbofibre. Shear loading test for all epoxy and aluminium samples recorded the highest ultimate failure loadof 1.1kN and 4.54kN respectively. Meanwhile, fortensile loading test for all epoxy and aluminium samples recorded the highestultimate failure load of 0.827kN and 6.71kN respectively. From finite element analysis, it can be observed that differentcharacteristic of stress in field based on different type of loading configuration. Arcan test method proven to be an effective tomeasure shear modulus for both materials types as the values were almost similar to the previous study and ASTM standard. Thehigh stress located at the both end of significant section is due to effect of notch which generated stress concentration and leadsto fracture. The effect of notch to the tensile stress for both materials types can be reduced by increasing the notch radiusuntil itreaches the optimum values. The results obtained lead researchers in the reliability of the Arcan set up configurations inobtaining shear modulus of both ductile and brittle materials as it seen proven by finite element analysis done in this studyand itis crucial to take account notch radius as it effect uniformity of stress in the material tested.