NEURAL NETWORK-BASED SIMULATION OF THE INFLUENCE OF WASTE TIRE RUBBER ON POLYESTER-FIBERGLASS COMPOSITES

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering at Shoubra, Benha University, Cairo, Egypt

2 Mechanical Engineering Department, Faculty of engineering at Shoubra, Benha University, Shoubra

Abstract

This research presents a comprehensive neural network-based simulation to delve into the intricate relationship between waste tire rubber and polyester fiberglass composites. By meticulously investigating the effects of varying mesh sizes and volume percentages of rubber particles, the fabrication process utilizes hand lay-up and vacuum degassing to ensure optimal composite quality. The study aims to accurately predict the mechanical and dynamic properties of these composites. These properties, including ultimate tensile strength (UTS), strain, impact resistance, natural frequency, and damping factor, are critical determinants of the composite's performance in various applications. A neural network model was meticulously crafted and trained using the backpropagation algorithm, with a mean squared error of 10-8. This exceptional accuracy underscores the model's ability to effectively capture the complex interactions between the composite components. The model demonstrated remarkable proficiency in predicting UTS, impact resistance, natural frequency, and damping factors, achieving regression coefficients of R= 96.30%, 96.50%, 97.80%, and 97.40%, respectively. Moreover, the strain prediction accuracy was commendable, with a regression coefficient of R= 94.20%.
These findings collectively underscore the immense potential of neural networks in optimizing the design of composite materials incorporating waste tire rubber. By leveraging the predictive capabilities of these models, researchers and engineers can develop sustainable materials that not only exhibit superior performance but also contribute to a more environmentally responsible future. The integration of waste tire rubber into composite materials offers a promising avenue for reducing waste and promoting circular economy principles.

Keywords

Main Subjects