Three-Point Bending Test of a Composite Panel

A three-point bending test evaluates the flexural behavior of a panel by supporting the specimen at two points and applying a load at the center. The resulting load–deflection response helps engineers assess bending stiffness, strength, and the onset of damage or failure—key considerations when designing lightweight composite structures.
For Formula Student teams, composite panels used in chassis and impact structures must demonstrate structural performance comparable to the baseline construction defined by the applicable competition rules. Three-point bending data supports the structural equivalency process by helping teams validate panel stiffness and strength, justify material and lay-up choices, and provide evidence that the design can withstand the required loads. Students should always confirm the exact test configuration and submission requirements in the rules for their competition and season.

In this course, students will build and evaluate a virtual three-point bending test for a composite panel using Ansys Composite PrepPost (ACP) and Ansys Mechanical. They will define composite materials, ply thicknesses, fiber orientations, lay-ups, supports, and loading conditions; solve the model; and interpret deformation, stress, strain, and composite failure results. ACP provides a ply-based workflow for defining layered composite structures and supports composite-specific post-processing of stresses, strains, safety, and failure behavior.
By completing the simulation, students will learn the complete process of performing a three-point bending analysis using Ansys ACP. The simulation will also help student teams minimize experimental iterations by allowing them to evaluate multiple composite-panel configurations—such as material selection, panel thickness, ply sequence, and fiber orientation—in ACP before committing to physical testing. This approach can reduce development time, material use, and testing costs while helping teams identify promising designs for final validation.

Download the simulation files here to follow this course.