Aim:

To study Finite Elements methods, modeling in Abaqus and photoelasticity.

Theory:
Abaqus is a software suite for finite element analysis and computer-aided
engineering. Abaqus is used in the automotive, aerospace, and industrial
products industries. The product is popular with academic and research
institutions due to the wide material modeling capability, and the program's
ability to be customized. Abaqus also provides a good collection of
multiphysics capabilities, such as coupled acoustic-structural, piezoelectric,
and structural-pore capabilities, making it attractive for production-level
simulations where multiple fields need to be coupled.
Abaqus was initially designed to address non-linear physical behavior; as a
result, the package has an extensive range of material models such as
elastomeric (rubberlike) material capabilities.
The von Mises yield criterion suggests that the yielding of materials begins
when the second deviatoric stress invariant J_2 reaches a critical value.
In materials science and engineering the von Mises yield criterion can be also
formulated in terms of the von Mises stress or equivalent tensile stress, a
scalar stress value that can be computed from the Cauchy stress tensor. In this
case, a material is said to start yielding when its von Mises stress reaches a
critical value known as the yield strength. The von Mises stress is used to
predict yielding of materials under any loading condition from results of
simple uniaxial tensile tests. The von Mises stress satisfies the property that
two stress states with equal distortion energy have equal von Mises stress.
Because the von Mises yield criterion is independent of the first stress
invariant, it is applicable for the analysis of plastic deformation for ductile
materials such as metals, as the onset of yield for these materials does not
depend on the hydrostatic component of the stress tensor.

Material Properties:
Poissons Ratio=0.38
Modulus of Elasticity=2.4 GPA
Refractive Index=1.58 at 72 F
Specific Gravity= 1.2
Rockwell Hardness=M70/R118
Dimensions are in mm.
Length=250 mm.
Width=50mm.
Thickness=10mm.
Diameter of semicircle=25mm.
Loads are applied at 6 cms from the centre of sample.
Simple supports are given at 5 mm from each end.

Observations: (4 point Bending)

At 0 Newton load

1. Load= 100 N

Load= 75 N

Load= 50 N

Load= 25N

Results
With increase in the external load the internal stress distribution changes within
the plastic sample. Higher stress concentration is observed around the cornered

edges and sharp cuts. Darker color implies higher value of the stress in photo
elastic experiment. The contour plots however do not shows any change in color
but the legend shows that internal stresses are changed.