Wolkite University

College of Engineering and Technology

Office of Coordinator of Research and
Community Service
Final Document
Title of the research: “Product Development and Analysis of Enset (False Banana) Fiber
Reinforced Composite Ceiling Fan Blade”

I. Name of the researchers;

1. Yerdawu Zeleke-Principal investigator IV. Duration of the Research;
(M.Sc. in Textile Manufacturing)
2. Amanuel Abebe - Co-researcher Commencement Termination
(M.Sc. in Mechanical System Design)
3. Fekade Dejena – Co-researcher October, August,
(M.Sc. in Textile Manufacturing) 2020 2021

II. Present position Vii. Thematic area:

1) Lecturer
Theme 3: Sustainable Environment & Occupation
2) Lecturer
3) Lecturer Safety, Sub theme 1; Climate change and
environmental protection
III. Name of the Institute
Theme 7: Technology
Wolkite University College of Engineering
Development and Engineering, Sub theme 2:
and Technology
alternative construction materials
Theme 12: Cross cutting issues and emerging
technology, Sub theme 4: Innovative technologies
 Table of contents
List of Tables...............................................................................................................................................................iii
List of Figures..............................................................................................................................................................iv
Acronyms......................................................................................................................................................................v
Abstract........................................................................................................................................................................vi
1. Introduction...........................................................................................................................................................1
2. Statement of the problem......................................................................................................................................2
3. Objective of the research......................................................................................................................................3
3.1. General objective.........................................................................................................................................3
3.2. Specific objectives.......................................................................................................................................3
4. Literature review...................................................................................................................................................4
5. Methodology.........................................................................................................................................................5
5.1. Materials and Equipment.............................................................................................................................5
5.2. Raw materials and Equipment.....................................................................................................................5
5.3. Methods.......................................................................................................................................................5
5.3.1. Data collection........................................................................................................................................6
5.3.2. Material preparation................................................................................................................................6
5.3.3. Characterization of the Mat weave.........................................................................................................7
5.3.4. Thread density of the plain mat weave...................................................................................................8
5.3.5. Design and Mold preparation................................................................................................................9
5.3.6. Develop the product..............................................................................................................................10
5.3.7. Experimental tests..............................................................................................................................10
5.3.8. Data analysis.........................................................................................................................................12
6. Result and Discussion.........................................................................................................................................13
6.1. Physio-mechanical properties...................................................................................................................14
6.1.1. Tensile strength.....................................................................................................................................14
6.1.2. Compressive strength............................................................................................................................15
6.1.3. Bending strength...................................................................................................................................16
6.1.4. Water absorption...................................................................................................................................17
6.1.5. Void fraction.........................................................................................................................................19
6.2. Finite element analysis of ceiling fan blade..............................................................................................20
6.3. Comparison with other fan blades.............................................................................................................26
7. Conclusion and Recommendation......................................................................................................................27
7.1. Conclusion.......................................................................................................................................................27
7.2. Recommendation............................................................................................................................................27
References...................................................................................................................................................................28
Appendix.....................................................................................................................................................................30

ii
 List of Tables
Table 1: Plain mat weave thread density.......................................................................................8
Table 2: The proportional ratio of reinforcement and matrix (CCD)......................................10
Table 3: The physio-mechanical property tested result of the composite material......................13
Table 4: Analysis variance of tensile strength.............................................................................14
Table 5: Analysis variance of compressive strength....................................................................15
Table 6: Analysis variance of bending strength...........................................................................16
Table 7: Analysis variance of water absorption...........................................................................17
Table 8: Analysis variance of void fraction.................................................................................19

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 List of Figures
Figure 1: The constitute of composite material.............................................................................2
Figure 2: General flow-charts of the research................................................................................5
Figure 3: Material preparation flow chart.................................................................................6
Figure 4:Alkaline treatment of false banana fiber.........................................................................7
Figure 5: Mat weaves construction................................................................................................7
Figure 6:Thread density sample measurement...............................................................................8
Figure 7:GSM cutter sample test...................................................................................................8
Figure 8: Design procedure of the fan blade............................................................................9
Figure 9: Product development of fane blade..............................................................................13
Figure 10: 3D view tensile strength of the composite material...................................................14
Figure 11: 3D view compressive strength of the composite material..........................................15
Figure 12: 3D view bending strength of the composite material.................................................16
Figure 13: The effect of fiber loading on water absorption.........................................................18
Figure 14: 3D view water absorption of the composite material.................................................18
Figure 15: The effect of fiber loading on void fraction..............................................................19
Figure 16: 3D view void fraction of the composite material.......................................................20
Figure 17: Geometry of the fan blade..........................................................................................21
Figure 18: Boundary condition of the fan blade..........................................................................22
Figure 19: The total deformation of the fan blade.......................................................................23
Figure 20:The Equivalent elastic strain induced of the fan blade................................................23
Figure 21: The strain energy of the fan blade..............................................................................24
Figure 22: The equivalent stress of the fan blade........................................................................24
Figure 23: The factor of safety of the fan blade...........................................................................25
Figure 24: The velocity streamline result....................................................................................25

iv
Acronyms
ANSYS Analysis System
ANOVA Analysis of Variance
ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials
CCD Central Composite Designs
GSM Grams per square meter
MLR Material liquor ratio
MPa Megapascal
MJ Megajoule
RPM Revolution per minuet
RTM Resin transfer molding
VARTM Vacuum assisted resin transfer molding
2D Two dimensional
3D Three dimensional

v
 Abstract
A ceiling fan is a device suspended from the ceiling of a room and ceiling fan utilize hub-
mounted rotating paddles in order to produce a cooling effect as a result of air circulation. The
ceiling fan more or less widely used by the people especially who are living in warm area, for
meeting rooms, as well as in the place of the warm area individually, public places and meeting
halls for indoor occupational satisfaction (comfort). Therefore, this research focused on the
product development and analysis of ceiling fan blade with the consolidation of false banana
fiber as reinforcement and unsaturated polyester resin as a matrix. The reinforced false banana
fiber used at fabric (mat) stage and the structure of the fabrics was plain mat weaves. And also,
hand lay-up method of manufacturing technique was used, in order to develop the composite
material and the better result was obtained at 30 % fiber and 70 % matrix. Besides, tried to
analyzed the physio-mechanical properties such as tensile strength, compressive strength,
bending or flexural strength, water absorption and void fraction by using Design Expert, and
also analysis of ceiling fan blade such as deformation, von misses stress, von misses strain and
velocity by using ANSYS software. More or less, for the developed ceiling fan blade by using
false banana fiber is better physio-mechanical value was obtained and the result of water
absorption is below 1.5 % for 24 up 48 hours, void fraction is 4.2 %, tensile strength is 33.15
MPa, compressive strength is 29.69 MPa and bending or flexural strength is 28.85 MPa. In
addition, the result with ANSYSY were obtained, such as the maximum deformation is 0.60887
mm, maximum equivalent elastic strain is 0.0018815 and minimum value is 1.0375 * 10 -10,
maximum equivalent stress is 235.79 MPa and minimum is 1.0859 * 10-5 MPa and velocity
streamline is 14.97 m/s at 200 RPM or 21 rad/s with a safety factor of 15. Therefore, false
banana fiber reinforced composite possible to use the application of ceiling fan blade with a
good performance of the material.
Keywords: Enset (False banana fiber), Unsaturated Polyester, Ceiling Fan Blade, Physio-
mechanical Properties

vi
1. Introduction
Ceiling fans are widely used by inhabitants of hot climate regions for indoor comfort [1].
Ceiling fan is installed on the roof (cornice) of the room, and under the utilization of the ceiling
fans by installing on the roof (cornice), in order to produce a cooling effect as result of air
circulation [6]. Upon the material utilization the current fan blades are made up of aluminum
with less density compared to steel and corrosion resistance, but with the disadvantages of low
strength to weight ratio, paint and coating problems.
The properties of fan blade material should be low power consumptions and lightweight and
effective utilization of natural resource are the main focuses of the electrical appliances in the
present situation. Today, most of modern industry the materials are replaced by fiber reinforced
composite material including fan blade, in order to improve the limitation of fan blade
materials. A composite material is containing two or more different materials that are bonded
together [2]. It is composed primarily of a matrix, which is a continuous phase and
secondary phase is reinforcement, which is usually the discontinuous phase [4].
Indeed, natural fiber has a potential to use for composite material as reinforcement due to light
weight, low cost, high strength to weight ratio, biodegradability, recyclability, nontoxic and
no environmental pollution. In, Gurage zone too much false banana crops are available and
use as food, and also false banana fibers extracted from it, but it is uses for a specific
application such as ropes and mats. Hence, in this work tried to develop ceiling fan blade from
locally available false banana (Enset) fiber reinforced composite material consolidating with
epoxy resin as a matrix; it is aimed to compare the power consumption, weight, strength to
weight ratio and cost savings to the existing or conventional ceiling fan blade.
At the end of this research work, the objective was to develop good physio-mechanical
properties, efficient power consumption, excellent corrosion resistance, good aesthetic
appearance, low density, and no need for painting fan blade was forward. Besides, it was
reduced foreign currency and to increase the people those who are living false banana crop
growing area use as alternative income. The consolidation of composite material was:
i. False banana fiber/reinforcement/: It is used to provide mechanical properties, such as
strength, rigidity and helps to support structural load of the composite material, so fiber
reinforced composite material are relevant, due to the lightweight, high strength to weight
ratio corrosion resistance and other advantages [5].

1
 ii. Matrix: It is used to transmit the external load onto the reinforcing phase. For the matrix,
good bond strength with the reinforcing phase material (i.e., perfect wettability without
chemical interaction at the interface of the matrix and reinforcement) is required [4].

Figure 1: The constitute of composite material [9].

2. Statement of the problem

Nowadays, almost all ceiling fan types are imports from foreign country, so it increases the
foreign currency and false banana fiber use for a specific application such as mat and rope.
However, Enset fiber, the constituent of the composite material to develop ceiling fan blade is
available in local and cheap. Therefore, in this research work to develop false banana fiber
reinforced ceiling fan blade composite materials as alternative application with the
consideration of strength to weight ratio, physio-mechanical properties and performance.
And up on this solution principle the following research question was covered.
 What are the arrangements or orientation of the false banana fiber mat weaves?
 Does the shape of the fan blade affect the fluid flow over it?
 How the weight of the blade minimized with acceptable strength?
 What will be the physio-mechanical properties of the fan blade?

2
3. Objective of the research
3.1. General objective
The main objective of this research work is product development and analysis of false banana
fiber reinforced composite ceiling fan blade as alternative product with relatively high
performance to weight ratio.
3.2. Specific objectives
 To develop false banana fiber reinforced ceiling fan blade.
 To test experimentally the physio-mechanical properties of ceiling fan blade.
 To study the optimum weight ratio of false banana fiber and epoxy resin of fan blade.
 To analyze the physio-mechanical properties of false banana fiber reinforced ceiling
fan blade.
 To perform finite element analysis of ceiling fan blade.
 To ensure the use of Enset (false banana) fiber for fan blade.

3
4. Literature review
In the recent century, composites have been found to be the most encouraging and good
material. The composite materials reinforced by synthetic or natural fiber, in order to gaining
more lightweight materials with high strength for specific applications are growing in the
market. Fiber-reinforced composite materials not only high strength to weight ratio, but also
impart exceptional properties such as high durability, stiffness, flexural strength, resistance to
corrosion and wear. These wide ranges of diverse features have led composite materials to find
applications in mechanical, construction, aerospace, automobile, biomedical, marine, and many
other manufacturing industries. And the performance of composite materials predominantly
depends on their constituent elements and manufacturing techniques, therefore, functional
properties of various fibers available worldwide, their classifications, and the manufacturing
techniques used to fabricate the composite materials need to be studied in order to figure out
the optimized characteristic of the material for the desired application [3].
In the current scenario, the need of fiber-reinforced composites is a widespread. Natural fibers
reinforced composite gives both cost savings and a reduction in density relative to glass
fibers. Indeed, the strength of natural fibers is not as great as glass fiber, when compared the
specific properties. However, natural fiber reinforced composites have two issues that need to
be aimed are; resin compatibility and water absorption [10].
The crisis of energy is the main problem of the society, so it needs to reduce and optimize the
use of energy. There are many researches are carried out, in order to improve energy crisis
and proper management of the available resource. Therefore, regarding to ceiling fan to
minimize the weight of fan blade is the main solution, in order to reduce power consumption
[8].
Indeed, there are different researchers performed in the area of alternative energy and proper
management of available resources contribute to controlling energy crisis. Among alternative
energy ceiling fan being one of important electric application consumes relative electric
power in most adapted and industrial application. So, the use of fiber reinforced composite in
ceiling fans reduce the weight of the fan and to reduce power consumption, and glass fiber
reinforced fan blade composite is better performance than the existing or conventional fans
[7]. Here, in this research was developed ceiling fan blade from locally (Gurage zone)
available false banana fiber reinforced using epoxy resin as a matrix with the consideration of
physio-mechanical properties.

4
5. Methodology
5.1. Materials and Equipment
Today, most of the materials are develop from fiber reinforced composite material, due to
lightweight and less power consumption, so in this work the material uses in order to develop
ceiling fan blade the following materials and equipment are needed;
5.2. Raw materials and Equipment
✓ False banana fiber (mat weave)
✓ Hand loom
✓ Epoxy resin (matrix)
 Tensile strength testing machine
 Chemical (NaOH, Hardener
✓ Compressive strength testing machine
and Soap)
✓ Bending/flexural strength testing
✓ Mold (pattern) machine
5.3. Methods

Literature review

FBF treatment and mat weave construction

Material preparation

Design and Mold

preparation

Develop the product According to the

proportion of the factors
(fiber and resin)
Physio-mechanical Experimental tests
properties

Data analysis With Design-Expert and

ANSYS software

Conclusion and Recommendation

Figure 2: General flow-charts of the research

5
 5.3.1. Data collection
The data collected from the past research work, which is published by different
journals on fiber reinforced composite. The materials also select according to their
environmentally friendly, strength, light weight, low cost and so. In data collection also
considered the parameters, which are included in this research work, in order to
examine the problems easily.
5.3.2. Material preparation
The fiber used in this research is locally available false banana fiber and it contains different
unwanted ingredient such as cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, etc. The ingredients are not
removing; it influencing the interface surface between fiber and matrix, and the result of the
product was poor physio-mechanical properties. Therefore, in order to enhance effect
transfer of matrix to the fiber and better adhesion between fibers and matrix the fiber
was treated as follow;

To prepare false banana fiber

Alkali treatment (NaOH,

2.5-10 % to MLR)

Soaking into water for 30 minutes -

24 hrs at room temperature

Washing the fiber with soap

and dried 24 hrs - 48hrs

Mat weaves construction

Figure 3: Material preparation flow chart [11]

i. Alkali treatment
Alkaline treatment of natural fiber the most important, in order to enhance the poor adhesion
between fiber and matrix in natural-fiber reinforced composites. To overcome this problem,
specific physical and chemical treatments are suggested for surface modification of fiber.
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Alkali treatment is one of the simple and effective surface modification techniques which are
widely used in natural fiber composites. The alkali treatment found to be effective in improving
the tensile and flexural properties while the impact strength decreased. In this research work we
are trying to treat the false banana fiber using sodium hydroxide (NaOH) before mixed together
with the polymer of unsaturated polyester. The concentration of the alkali solution that was
used, in order to treated the fibers is in the range of 2.5 % up to 10 % according to MLR soaked
for 30 minutes, and the time for during the fiber after washing for 48 hours.

Treatment of FBF using NaOH Drying FBF after treatment

Figure 4:Alkaline treatment of false banana fiber

Drawing-in and weave the mat After the mat is weave

Figure 5: Mat weaves construction

5.3.3. Characterization of the Mat weave

In this study plain mat weave was used as a reinforcement material. The number of threads in
warp and weft direction of plain mat weave tested accordingly and also determined the weight
of mat weave.

7
 5.3.4. Thread density of the plain mat weave
The tread density of plain mat weave was determined for both warp and weft direction. The
pick glass used as instrument, in order to determine the thread density at different position,
such as ½ inch and 1 inch shown in Figure 6.

Figure 6: Thread density sample measurement

The average result of five (5) different places of the developed sample was shown in table 1.
Table 1: Plain mat weave thread density

For warp Number of ends

Ends per ½ inch 5
Number of ends per inch (EPI) 10
For weft Number of picks
Number of picks per ½ inch 4
Number of picks per inch (PPI) 9

i. GSM of plain mat weaves

The weight of plain mat weave was determined by mass per unit area by using GSM cutter. The
standard use for the weight test is according to ASTM D3776-96 (2002) [15].

GSM sample cutter Weight balance

Figure 7:GSM cutter sample test

The formula used, in order to determine the weight of the sample is:
GSM = Weight (gram) * 104 (1)
Area (cm )
2

The average weight of the sample was around 6.50 grams per 100cm2. Therefore,
GSM = 6.50 gram * 104 = 650
100 cm2
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 5.3.5. Design and Mold preparation
After construct the mat weave, the mold was prepared or manufactured based on the
sample size was developed. The step was followed; in order to design the ceiling
fan blade is;

Identify the proper fan blade types

Determine the geometrical shape and size of fan blade

Fan blade design and selection Frame design and selection

Overall design

2D and 3D models of detail parts of the system

Product assembly

Product analysis

Prototype

Experimental test

Validation

Figure 8: Design procedure of the fan blade

The mold was prepared depend on the blade shape, because blade shape is an important factor
in order to determine energy efficiency while maximizing air flow through the fan blades.
Commonly, there are two main types of blades shapes are; flat ceiling fan blades are flat panels
mounted at a fixed angle, and airfoil blades are similar to airplane wings in section. In this
research select airfoil blade types, because the curvature of the airfoil blades helps increase air
flow through the ceiling fan, minimizing air turbulence at the trailing edge of the blade common

9
to flat blades. Airfoil-style blades are thus typically more efficient and also quieter than flat
blades [14]. Therefore, depends on the selected fan blade designed the mold and the fan blade.
5.3.6. Develop the product
Indeed, there are different composite material manufacturing method are available such as
injection winding, filament winding, vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM),
resin transfer molding (RTM), hand layup and etc. In this thesis work, hand lay-up
manufacturing method was used, because it is easy to use and no need of high temperature.
The number of tests and the proportional amount of optimization was made by using
central composite design shown in table 2.
Table 2: The proportional ratio of reinforcement and matrix (CCD)

Factor 1 Factor 2
No. of Runs A: Fiber B: Resin
% %
1 25 75
2 28 72
3 20 80
4 44 56
5 28 72
6 30 70
7 28 72
8 16 84
9 45 55
10 28 72
11 28 72
12 40 60
13 15 85

5.3.7. Experimental tests

After the samples are developed based on the software analysis the physio-mechanical
properties such as water absorption, void fraction, tensile strength, compressive strength
and bending or flexural strength, was tested depending on the proportional ratio of the
factors (fiber and resin).
i. Water absorption
The water uptake of the composite material investigated as per ASTM D-570 standard. The
different fiber weight ratio samples are place underwater in a beaker at room temperature for
24 hours and 48 hours, and to study the water absorption behavior. The percentage of water
uptake is calculated using following formula:
Water uptake = Wt - Wo % (2)
Wo

10
Where, Wo is the weight of composite sample before putting into water (oven-dried weight) in
grams and Wt is the weight of composite sample after taken out from the water in grams [12].
i. Density and void friction
Theoretical density of the composite’s material was determined by using weight ratio methods.
The actual densities of the composites are measure by using the Archimedes principle. It is
express as, when the object is immersed in a liquid, the apparent loss in its weight is equal to
the weight of the liquid it displaces. And this method is to conduct as per ASTM D792 by
using the following formula [13].
𝜌𝑎 = 𝜌𝑤𝑊𝑎 (3)
𝑊𝑎−𝑊𝑤
Where, ρa is actual density of composite, ρw is the density of distilled water, wa is weight of the
sample in air and, ww is weight of the sample in water.
The volume fraction of voids (Vvf) is calculated by using the following formula:
Vvf = (ρt - ρa) (4)
ρt
ii. Tensile strength
Tensile strength of the sample is conduct as per the ASTM E 1309 standard [13]. The test is
performed in universal testing machine at a cross-head speed of 10 mm/min and the results are
used to calculate the tensile strength of the composite samples using the following formula:
δt = Wt (5)
b×t
Where, δt = Tensile strength (N/mm²), Wt = Failure tensile load (N) b = Breadth of the
specimen (mm) and t = Thickness of the specimen (mm).
iii. Compressive strength
Composite samples are test as per ASTM D 695 standard [13]. And static compression tests
carried out on these specimens using Universal Testing Machine at 1 mm/min crosshead speed.
Tc = Wc (6)
b*t
Where, Tc is compressive strength (N/mm ), Wc in (N) is the failure load, b and t are the
2

breadth and the thickness of the samples in (mm) respectively.

iv. Flexural/bending strength
Three-point bending test is use to obtain the flexural strength, as per ASTM D790 standard
[14]. The tests are conduct using universal testing machine and flexural strength of each
specimen is calculate using the following formula:
FS = 3PL (7)
2bt2
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Where, P is maximum applied load, b is the width of the specimen, t is the thickness of the
specimen and L is the span length of the sample.
5.3.8. Data analysis
The tested result was analysis using different analysis techniques such as graphical, table and
charts. In this research work the data was analysis by using Design of Expert analytical tool
specifically analysis of variance (ANOVA). For optimization response surface methodology
(RSM) specifically central composite design (CCD) was used. And also, ANSYS Software was
used in order to determine the finite element analysis of the ceiling fan blade.

12
6. Result and Discussion

Mold

Mat preparation according to the mold

FBF reinforced fane blade sample Sample development layer by layer

Figure 9: Product development of fane blade

According to the developed product sample tested the physio-mechanical properties of the
composite. Hence, the better physio-mechanical properties were obtained at 30% fiber and 70 %
resin with tensile strength 33.15MPa, compressive strength 29.69MPa, bending or flexural
strength 28.85MPa, water absorption 1.54% and void fraction 4.2%.
Table 3: The physio-mechanical property tested result of the composite material
Factor 1 Factor 2 Response 1 Response 2 Response 3 Response 4 Response 5
No. of A: Fiber B: Resin Tensile Compressive Bending Water Void
Runs in % in % strength in strength in MPa strength in absorption fraction
MPa MPa in % in %

1 25 75 33.23 29.56 28.65 1.57 4.2

2 28 72 32.91 28.69 27.82 1.62 4.61
3 20 80 32.86 28.52 27.87 1.55 4.35
4 44 56 32.59 28.46 27.63 2.05 5.46

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 5 28 72 33.13 29.14 28.14 1.7 4.89
6 30 70 33.15 29.69 28.85 1.54 4.2
7 28 72 33.21 29.62 28.63 1.6 4.4
8 16 84 33.14 28.98 28.14 1.54 4.2
9 45 55 32.61 28.49 27.68 2.02 5.35
10 28 72 32.87 29.13 28.29 1.91 5.2
11 28 72 33.05 29.59 28.62 1.57 4.3
12 40 60 32.82 28.73 28.01 1.91 5.26
13 15 85 32.66 28.35 27.95 1.56 4.25
Based on the maximum physio-mechanical properties of the composite material analysis was
made in the form of graphs and tables.
6.1. Physio-mechanical properties
6.1.1. Tensile strength
The tensile strength of the model was fit based on statistical linear regression suggested value as
shown in table 4. It is important, in order to determine the correlation coefficient for the model
within groups and between groups.
Table 4: Analysis variance of tensile strength
Sum of Degree of Mean F-Value p-value
Source Squares freedom Square
Model 18.22 2 9.11 7.67 0.0096 Significant
A-Fiber 6.55 1 6.55 3.40 0.0134
B-Resin 12.44 1 12.44 3.54 0.0213
Lack of Fit 10.35 9 1.15 1.32 0.0662 Insignificant

The model F-value is 7.67 it suggested that the model is significant and the P-value less than
0.05 indicated model terms (fiber and resin) are significant. Hence, the factors have effect on
the tensile strength of composite material. However, lack of fit F-value of 1.32 and p-value
0.0662 it implies the lack of fit is not significant, because 0.0662 greater than the 95%
confidence interval (0.05). In Figure 10 shown three-dimensional model of tensile strength
relationship with the factors (fiber and resin).

14
 Figure 10: 3D view tensile strength of the composite material

3D surface used to identify the optimum position of the factors over the response surface. In
Figure 10 the 3D shows the resin and fiber increase, the tensile strength also increases up to
optimum point.
6.1.2. Compressive strength
The compressive strength of the model was fit based on statistical linear regression suggested
value as shown in table 5. It is important, in order to determine the correlation coefficient for
the model within groups and between groups.
Table 5: Analysis variance of compressive strength
Source Sum Degree of Mean F-value P-value
of squares freedom Square
Model 17.12 2 8.56 6.64 0.0146 Significant
A-Fiber 6.27 1 6.27 2.45 0.0262
B-Resin 10.54 1 10.54 2.17 0.0178

Lack of fit 8.10 9 0.90 3.56 0.1331 Insignificant

The model F-value is 6.64 it suggested that the model is significant and the P-value less than
0.05 indicated model terms (fiber and resin) are significant. Hence, the factors have effect on
the compressive strength of the composite. However, lack of fit F-value of 3.56 and p-value
0.1331 it implies the lack of fit is not significant, because 0.1331 greater than the 95%
15
confidence interval (0.05). In Figure 11 shown three-dimensional model of compressive
strength relationship with the factors (fiber and resin).

Figure 11: 3D view compressive strength of the composite material

6.1.3. Bending strength

The bending strength of the model was fit based on statistical linear regression suggested value
as shown in table 6. It is important, in order to determine the correlation coefficient for the
model within groups and between groups.
Table 6: Analysis variance of bending strength
Source Sum Degree of Mean F-value P-value
of squares freedom Square
Model 20.66 2 10.33 9.35 0.0416 Significant
A-Fiber 8.42 1 8.42 3.42 0.0341
B-Resin 12.22 1 12.22 3.35 0.0318

Lack of fit 8.82 9 0.98 3.86 0.2143 Insignificant

The model F-value is 9.35 it is suggested that the model is significant and the P-value less than
0.05 indicated model terms (fiber and resin) are significant. And the factors have effect on the
bending strength of the composite. However, lack of fit F-value of 3.86 and p-value 0.2143 it
indicates the lack of fit is not significant, because 0.2143 greater than the 95% confidence
interval (0.05). In Figure 12 shown three-dimensional model of bending strength relationship
with the factors (fiber and resin).

16
 Figure 12: 3D view bending strength of the composite material

6.1.4. Water absorption

Samples of each composite type were oven dried before its weight was recorded as the initial
weight of the composites. The samples were then placed in distilled water maintained at room
temperature (25°C) for 24 hours.
The amount of water absorbed by the composites was calculated by using the weight difference
of the sample. And the water absorption of the model was fit based on statistical linear
regression suggested value shown in table 7.
Table 7: Analysis variance of water absorption
Source Sum Degree of Mean F-value P-value
of squares freedom Square
Model 33.02 2 16.51 15.99 0.0080 Significant
A-Fiber 5.87 1 5.87 27.03 0.0042
B-Resin 7.96 1 7.96 29.64 0.0048

Lack of fit 2.601 9 0.289 27.56 0.9372 Insignificant

The model F-value is 15.99 it is suggested that the model is significant and the P-value less than
0.05 indicated model terms (fiber and resin) are significant. And the factors have effect on the
bending strength of the composite. However, lack of fit F-value of 27.56 and p-value 0.9372 it
17
indicates the lack of fit is not significant, because 0.9372 greater than the 95% confidence
interval (0.05).
In Figure 13 shown the effect of fiber loading on water absorption of the composite and Figure
14 have shown three-dimensional model of water absorption relationship with the factors (fiber
and resin).

Figure 13: The effect of fiber loading on water absorption

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 Figure 14: 3D view water absorption of the composite material
6.1.5. Void fraction
The void fraction of the model was fit based on statistical linear regression suggested value as
shown in table 8. It is important, in order to determine the correlation coefficient for the model
within groups and between groups.
Table 8: Analysis variance of void fraction
Source Sum Degree of Mean F-value P-value
of squares freedom Square
Model 22.42 2 11.21 11.11 0.0029 Significant
A-Fiber 4.83 1 4.83 20.22 0.0021
B-Resin 5.74 1 5.74 22.55 0.0048

Lack of fit 5.40 9 0.60 7.06 0.8193 Insignificant

The model F-value is 7.06 it is suggested that the model is significant and the P-value less than
0.05 indicated model terms (fiber and resin) are significant. And the factors have effect on the
void fraction of the composite. However, lack of fit F-value of 7.06 and p-value 0.81393 it
indicates the lack of fit is not significant, because 0.81393 greater than the 95% confidence
interval (0.05).

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In Figure 15 shown the effect of fiber loading on void fraction of the composite and Figure 16
have shown three-dimensional model of void fraction relationship with the factors (fiber and
resin).

Figure 15: The effect of fiber loading on void fraction

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 Figure 16: 3D view void fraction of the composite material

6.2. Finite element analysis of ceiling fan blade

Based on, the better mechanical properties result obtained (30 % fiber and 70 % epoxy) of false
banana reinforced ceiling fan blade determined the young’s modulus, Poisson ratio and with the
consideration of epoxy resin density. Because, those parameters are important for finite element
analysis of the ceiling fan blade composite materials. The factors considered, in order to
determine finite element analysis of the ceiling fan blade were;
i. The rotational speed of ceiling fan blade
The rotational speed of ceiling fan blade aimed to produce the 2 m/s of air flow velocity of
across the blade radius at a speed of 150 - 200 rpm. Therefore, in the performance analysis of
the epoxy resin reinforced false banana fiber ceiling fan blade according to mechanical strength,
such that deformation, equivalent strain, equivalent stress and internal energy stored 200 rpm or
21 rad/s rotational speed was utilized [16].

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 ii. Geometry
The geometry of the fan blade based on the standard demission of the ceiling fan blade and
the mold used, in order to develop ceiling fan blade shown in Figure 17.

Figure 17: Geometry of the fan blade

iii. Boundary conditions

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Here, three operational conditions are represented the first the fixed support, the second is the
rotational velocity, the third is the atmospheric pressure that the fan blade paddle the
surrounding of the room.
As the fan blade was bolted to the hub of the ceiling fan blade, in the graphic user interface of
ANSYS workbench the blade is fixed at point ‘A’ colored blue as well as the rotational speed of
200 RPM or 21rad/s applied at point ‘B’ and the axis of rotation in the ANSYS software is
along Z-axis which is suitable with the real working environment.
Hence, the atmospheric pressure paddled by the fan blade is applied in the direction opposite to
the rotation of the fan blade at point ‘C’ having the magnitude of 1atm or 0.101325 MPa. Then
the ceiling fan blade is ready for the analysis.

Figure 18: Boundary condition of the fan blade

The finite element analysis of the ceiling fan blade such as deformation, von mises stress, von
mises strain and air flow. The deformation of the fan blade is subjected to atmospheric pressure
such that it is standard and it is 1atm or 0.101325 MPa and the rotational speed of the ceiling
fan blade that is 21 rad/s. The maximum deformation of the blade is noted at the tip of the

23
ceiling fan blade that is 0.60887mm and the minimum deformation also renowned at the joint of
the ceiling fan blade and the hub shown in Figure 19.
Therefore, regarding to other conventional ceiling fan blade the deformation was relatively less
and it is clear that the displacements produced in the ceiling fan blade are less.

Figure 19: The total deformation of the fan blade

Here also, Figure 20 shows the reduction of equivalent elastic strain and it is noted that at the
sharp corner of the that is depicted by red color “max” and its value shows that 0.0018835 and
also the minimum value is 1.0375 * 10-10.

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 Figure 20: The Equivalent elastic strain induced of the fan blade
In Figure 21 shown the strain energy stored in false banana fiber reinforced ceiling fan blade is
also noted that the maximum value is 0.79016 MJ this shown the sharp corner of the hub
joining flange and the minimum value is 4.3126 * 10 -14 MJ. Strain energy is defined as the
energy stored in a body due to deformation. The strain energy per unit volume is known as
strain energy density and the area under the stress-strain curve towards the point of deformation.
When the applied force is released, the whole system returns to its original shape.

25
 Figure 21: The strain energy of the fan blade
In Figure 22 shown the finite element analysis of the equivalent stress of the fan blade are
depicted. And it is observed that the maximum stress value is 235.79 MPa and the minimum
value is 1.0859 * 10-5 MPa.

Figure 22: The equivalent stress of the fan blade

The factor of safety of the ceiling fan blade is shown in the Figure 23 and it have the value of 15
and therefore the ceiling fan that is designed is safe and the failure may occur at the sharp
corner depicted by Max value and therefore, the sharp corner has to be modified. From the
above analysis results it is clear that the ceiling fan blade is safe and it does not produce any
breaking or failure stresses in the blade.

Figure 23: The factor of safety of the fan blade

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Here also, in Figure 24 shown the velocity streamline of the ceiling fan blade tip with the input
rotational speed of the ceiling fan blade hub at 200RPM or 21rad/s is 14.97m/s.

Figure 24: The velocity streamline result

6.3. Comparison with other fan blades

In this section, tried to conduct the existing ceiling fan blade and glass fiber reinforced ceiling
fan blade with epoxy resin or unsaturated polyester. The existing ceiling fan blade weight were
295 grams, glass fiber reinforced ceiling fan blade is 215 grams [7], and false banana fiber
reinforced ceiling fan blade is 205 grams. Therefore, the weight reduction was 5% compared
with glass fiber reinforced ceiling fan blade and 31 % from the existing ceiling fan blade.
Besides, the finite element results of false banana fiber reinforced ceiling fan better than the
existing ceiling fan blade. The velocity of ceiling fan blade aimed to produce 2 m/s velocity of
across the blade radius at a speed of 200 rpm or 21rad/se [16]. However, false banana
reinforced ceiling fan blade produced greater than depicted by the literature and the value is
14.97 m/s; it shows the velocity of stream line greater than the assumption value. In addition,
carried out other properties of ceiling fan blade such as deformation, equivalent strain, strain
energy and equivalent stress of the ceiling fan blade and the result of the composite is better
than the existing ceiling fan blade.

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7. Conclusion and Recommendation

7.1. Conclusion
In this research work tried to develop composite ceiling fan blade with the consolidation of
locally available false banana fiber and unsaturated polyester, and hand lay-up method of
manufacturing technique was used, in order to develop the composite. The optimum or the best
proportion of the reinforcement and matrix of the ceiling fan blade was determined, regarding to
the physio-mechanical properties using Design Expert (central composite design) software and
finite element analysis using ANSYS software. Here, the best result was obtained at false
banana fiber 30 % and unsaturated polyester 70 %. According to, the developed ceiling fan
blade carried out the physio-mechanical properties and the result was obtained are tensile
strength is 33.15 MPa, compressive strength is 29.69 MPa and bending or flexural strength is
28.85 MPa, water absorption is 1.5 % for 24 up 48 hours, void fraction is 4.2 %. In addition to
that, other properties of the ceiling fan blade such as maximum deformation is 0.60887mm,
maximum equivalent elastic strain is 0.0018835 and minimum value is 1.0375 * 10 -10,
maximum equivalent stress is 235.79 MPa and minimum is 1.0859 * 10-5 MPa and velocity
streamline is 14.97 m/s at 200 RPM or 21 rad/s. In generally, false banana fiber reinforced
ceiling fan blade preferable to use the application of ceiling fan blade with minimum cost and

28
power consumption relative to the existed ceiling fan blade and other fiber reinforced ceiling
fan blade.

7.2. Recommendation
Based on, the result was obtained the consolidation of false banana fiber as reinforced and
unsaturated polyester as a matrix ceiling fan blade recommended;
 False banana fiber reinforced ceiling fan blade use as alternative fan blade.
 Ethiopia Energy Authority can use locally available natural fiber such as false banana fiber
reinforced composite as a wind turbine energy by improving the properties, according to the
specification of wind blade.
 Ethiopian higher institute has to encourage such types of research, because it is important to
generate alternative energy from locally available resource with minimum cost that reduces
foreign currency.

29
 References
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Aerodynamic Performance, Journal of Applied Fluid Mechanics.
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[3]. Dipen K. and Durgesh D., (2019), Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composites:
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[4]. Honey B. and Choudhary etal., (2015), Fabrication and Study of Mechanical Properties
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[5]. Pravin V Domke, P. M. (2015). Natural Fiber Reinforced Building Materials; IOSR
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[7]. Prabhakaran and Senthil K., (2012), Development of Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer
Composites Ceiling Fan Blade, International Journal of Engineering Research and
Development.
[8]. Sravanthi C. and Bhanu P. etal., (2018), Design and Analysis of Fiber Reinforced
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[9]. Thangamani and Somasundaram (2014), Design and Development of Natural
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[10]. Westman, Fifield and Simmons (2010), Natural Fiber Composites, United States
Department of Energy.
[11]. Venkatachalam, Naveen and Maheswaran, (2015), Alkali-chemical Treatment on
the Surface of Natural Fiber, International Journal of Innovative Research in Science,
Engineering and Technology.
[12]. Venkata and Madhusudhan, (2018), Effect of Alkali Treatment on Mechanical,
Water Absorption and Chemical Resistance Properties of Cordia-Dichotoma Fiber
Reinforced Epoxy Composites, International Journal of Applied Engineering Research.
[13]. Prasad N. and Alok Satapathy, (2017), Processing and Characterization of Epoxy
Composites Reinforced with Short Human Hair, Materials Science and Engineering.
[14]. Paul R. and David D., (2020), Ceiling Fan Design Guide, California Energy
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[15]. Jinlian H., (2008), Textile fabric testing book, The Textile Institute.
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[16]. Sonne and Parker etal., (2000), Development of A High Efficiency Ceiling Fan,
Florida Solar Energy Center Cocoa, Fl.

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 Appendix
Appendix I: Ceiling fan mold 2D and 3D of fan blade

a) Mold of ceiling fan blade

b) 2D of fan blade mold

c) 3D of fan blade mold

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Appendix II: Mold used for product development

Appendix III: Product development of ceiling fan blade

Appendix IV: The final product of ceiling fan blade

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