Mayank Agrawal

EDUCATION

PhD in Mechanical Engineering from IIT Jammu

RESEARCH, TEACHING, or OTHER INTERESTS

Mechanical Engineering, Mechanics of Materials, Computational Mechanics, Polymers and Plastics

Scopus Publications

Advanced Fracture Modelling in Composite Materials: A Phase-Field Approach Incorporating Elasto-Plasticity and Nonlocal Effects
Altaf Ahmad Lone, Mayank Agrawal, R. T. Durai Prabhakaran
International Journal for Numerical Methods in Engineering, 2025
This study presents a numerical investigation into the fracture behaviour of composite materials—an essential consideration for the reliable and sustainable design of lightweight structural components. To accurately capture their complex failure mechanisms, a phase‐field approach integrated with an elasto‐plastic material model was employed. The numerical framework utilised user‐defined subroutines (UMAT and UEL) within ABAQUS, complemented by additional simulations performed on the open‐source FEniCS platform. Deep Neural Network (DNN) is used to solve the phase field equations, and the results are compared to the standard FEA framework. Characteristic composite fracture features like crack deflection, kinking and nonlinearity are well presented. Given the inherent anisotropy and heterogeneity of composite materials, modelling their fracture behaviour remains challenging. Benchmark simulations, including force–displacement responses, were validated against published literature and demonstrated strong agreement. The diffuse nature of crack propagation—characteristic of the length‐scale‐dependent, nonlocal continuum mechanics underpinning the phase‐field method—was effectively captured and illustrated through plots showing phase‐field evolution relative to the distance from the crack centre.
Static and fatigue tensile performance of glass/basalt/epoxy hybrid and non-hybrid fiber composites—Role of hybrid sizings and matrix modifications
Mayank Agrawal, R. T. Durai Prabhakaran, Puneet Mahajan
Polymer Composites, 2025
Basalt fibers (BFs) are considered an environmentally friendly alternative to glass fibers (GFs). In this article, the basalt fiber and glass fiber surface were modified using hybrid sizings consisting of silane coupling agent (3‐Glycidoxypropyl)trimethoxysilane and MWCNTs. The existing sizings were removed from the fiber surface using acetone treatment, and the hybrid sizings were applied to the fiber surface using the dip coating method. The sizings were characterized using SEM‐EDS and AFM. The composites were fabricated using as‐received and hybrid‐sized fibers using vacuum‐assisted resin infusion molding (VARIM). The quasi‐static tensile, flexural, short beam shear and fatigue tests were performed on BF/epoxy, GF/epoxy, and hybrid fiber BF/GF epoxy composites. The results showed that the static and fatigue properties were improved by adding multi‐walled carbon nanotubes in the sizings and the matrix. The fatigue life improved by a factor of 2–3 due to matrix or fiber modifications. However, the matrix modifications were more effective in static performance, but the interface design showed better properties in fatigue loading. As in both the treatments, the static and fatigue properties are improved, and the findings obtained could be useful to enhance the life of wind turbine blades or other composite structures which are susceptible to fatigue damage.Highlights The fibers were coated successfully with the GPMS/MWCNT hybrid sizings. SEM‐EDS and XPS characterization showed CNTs adhered to fiber surface. Matrix modification with MWCNTs showed a better tensile strength of epoxy. The static and fatigue properties were improved significantly. Better interfacial bonding in the case of modified matrix and fibers.
Basalt Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy Laminates: Improvement in Quasi-Static and Fatigue Properties with Modified Matrices and Fiber Surfaces Using Silica Nanoparticles
Mayank Agrawal, R T Durai Prabhakaran, Puneet Mahajan
Applied Composite Materials, 2025
Effect of hybrid sizings on the surface morphology, mechanical behavior of basalt fibers, and fiber/epoxy composite properties
Mayank Agrawal, R. T. Durai Prabhakaran
Polymer Composites, 2025
In the present study, the basalt fibers (BFs) were treated with hybrid sizings consisting silane coupling agent (3‐Glycidoxypropyl)trimethoxysilane, and silicon dioxide nanoparticles (SNPs). Using acetone washing and heat treatment, the commercial sizing previously on the BFs was removed. Next, the fibers were dip‐coated, and silanes condensed on the surface of the fibers. Fiber samples were characterized using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), atomic force microscopy (AFM), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The test findings demonstrate that acetone extraction was an effective way to remove sizings. The AFM analysis and SEM micrographs demonstrate that SNP and silane particles were dispersed uniformly across the fiber surface. The single fiber tensile testing results indicated that the deposition of hybrid sizings enhanced the fibers strength. Because of the better adhesion between the fiber and epoxy, the hybrid sizings also improved the flexural strength by 22.28% and the interlaminar shear strength by 20.75%.Highlights Hybrid sizings (silanes and nano‐particles) on the basalt fiber surface. Characterization of the sizings and understanding of surface morphology. Hybrid sizings resulted in better tensile strength. Failure mechanisms of the fibers were observed using fractography. The effect of hybrid sizing on ILSS and flexural properties was observed.
Experimental investigations on the fatigue behavior of hybrid basalt/glass fiber epoxy composites
Mayank Agrawal, R. T. Durai Prabhakaran, Puneet Mahajan
Fatigue and Fracture of Engineering Materials and Structures, 2024
To expand the applications of hybrid fiber composites in structural engineering applications, it is essential to study their fatigue behavior. The tensile and fatigue performance of unidirectional hybrid basalt/glass epoxy composites made with vacuum‐assisted resin infusion molding are investigated in this research. The sequencing influence on tensile properties was assessed using the two configurations of basalt/glass fiber epoxy hybrid fiber composites, namely GBBBG and BGBGB, having nearly equal volume fractions. According to the test results, hybrid fiber composites showed a positive hybrid effect on their tensile strength. Both hybrid layups showed higher tensile strengths (3.5% to 10.5%) than GFRPs and BFRPs. The GBBBG laminate has slightly higher fatigue resistance than BGBGB laminate under tension–tension (T–T) fatigue. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images verify the fatigue failure modes, which include fiber, matrix cracking, delamination, and debonding. The DMA analysis showed the lower adhesion efficiency of hybrid fiber composites, signifying lower damping properties.
A comparative study of static and fatigue performance of glass and basalt fiber reinforced epoxy composites
Mayank Agrawal, Mohit Gupta, R T Durai Prabhakaran, Puneet Mahajan
Polymer Composites, 2024
This work compares the tensile and fatigue behavior of unidirectional glass fiber/epoxy (GFRPs) and basalt fiber/epoxy (BFRPs) composites manufactured using vacuum‐assisted resin infusion molding (VARIM). The tensile and fatigue tests are performed, and results show that both GFRPs and BFRPs have very similar tensile behavior, whereas BFRPs perform better than the GFRPs in terms of fatigue life and degradation of properties, showing about 75 MPa more fatigue limit. The S–N curve shows that BFRPs resist fatigue failure and stiffness degradation due to their better interfacial adhesion. Fractographic observations reveal fatigue failure mechanisms of both BFRPs and GFRPs. From the regression analysis performed, an S–N curve was fitted with a model available in the literature, and regression parameters were calculated. Dynamic mechanical analysis of both BFRPs and GFRPs was performed to evaluate parameters like glass transition temperature, storage modulus, and loss modulus. From the findings of this research, BFRPs may be recommended as a suitable alternative to GFRPs.Highlights This article compares the tension–tension fatigue properties of unidirectional GFRPs and BFRPs. From the research work, the authors found that BFRPs perform better than GFRPs under fatigue loading. The stiffness degradation behavior of GFRPs and BFRPs are studied and compared. Scanning electron micrographs of fractured samples are used to observe fatigue failure mechanisms. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) was performed to determine the storage modulus, loss modulus, glass transition temperature, and damping coefficient (tanδ) for both composites.
Effect of MWCNTs on static, dynamic, and wear performance of Vacuum Assisted Resin Infusion Molding (VARIM) processed glass fabric/epoxy polymer composites
Dikshant Malhotra, Mayank Agrawal, RT Durai Prabhakaran
Nanofabrication, 2024
In the present work, MWCNTs were used in wt.% of 0.075, 0.15, and 0.3 in epoxy resin, and then glass fabric/epoxy polymer (GF/EP) composites were fabricated using VARIM setup. The mechanical and wear properties of GF/EP composites were compared with and without the addition of MWCNTs. Maximum improvement in tensile and flexural performance were seen in GF/EP composites at 0.15 weight percent MWCNT addition when compared to a neat GF/EP one, based on static testing such as tensile and flexural tests. High-cycle fatigue test results show a relatively higher cycle count with 0.15 wt.% MWCNTs addition in the GF/EP composite compared to the GF/EP without the addition of MWCNTs. The wear performance also improved with a lower friction coefficient as well as a lower track depth and width for MWCNTs with added GF/EP than plain GF/EP composite. Therefore, in addition to decreasing surface softening and improving the wear performance of glass fabric epoxy composites, MWCNTs (0.15 weight percent) increased the interfacial adhesion at the fiber/matrix interface. This study establishes an optimum ratio of 0.15 wt.% of MWCNTs addition in glass fabric/epoxy polymer composites for enhancement in their mechanical and wear performance.
Investigation of toughening behavior of epoxy resin by reinforcement of depolymerized latex rubber
Mayank Agarwal, Mohamand Arif, Ankita Bisht, Vinay K. Singh, Sunanda Biswas
Science and Engineering of Composite Materials, 2015
An epoxy resin (EP) matrix has been modified with depolymerized natural rubber (DNR). The 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 wt% DNR-filled epoxy were used for the present investigation. The primary aim of this development is to scrutinize the mechanical properties of such cured epoxy filled with DNR. When the rubber content was low, the mechanical strength was low and the free volume of DNR in epoxy matrix was less. With the increase in rubber content, the free volume of rubber in the composite increases and the mechanical strength increases; however, after a specific weight percentage of rubber, if we increase the amount of rubber, the mechanical strength decreases and the free volume of rubber in the composite increases quickly, but with the increase in DNR weight percentage in epoxy matrix, the hardness decreases. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results justified the results obtained from the mechanical tests.

RECENT SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS

Advanced Fracture Modelling in Composite Materials: A Phase‐Field Approach Incorporating Elasto‐Plasticity and Nonlocal Effects
AA Lone, M Agrawal, RTD Prabhakaran
International Journal for Numerical Methods in Engineering 126 (24), e70216 , 2025
2025
Citations: 1
Static and fatigue tensile performance of glass/basalt/epoxy hybrid and non‐hybrid fiber composites—Role of hybrid sizings and matrix modifications
M Agrawal, RT Durai Prabhakaran, P Mahajan
Polymer Composites 46 (11), 10222-10238 , 2025
2025
Citations: 5
Experimental investigations on the fatigue behavior of hybrid basalt/glass fiber epoxy composites
M Agrawal, RT Durai Prabhakaran, P Mahajan
Fatigue & Fracture of Engineering Materials & Structures 47 (7), 2650-2667 , 2024
2024
Citations: 19
Basalt Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy Laminates: Improvement in Quasi-Static and Fatigue Properties with Modified Matrices and Fiber Surfaces Using Silica Nanoparticles
PM M Agrawal, R T Durai Prabhakaran
Applied Composite Materials 32, 659–679 , 2024
2024
Citations: 10
Effect of MWCNTs on static, dynamic, and wear performance of Vacuum assisted Resin infusion Molding (VARIM) processed glass fabric/epoxy polymer composites. Nanofabrication. 9 …
D Malhotra, M Agrawal, RT Durai Prabhakaran
2024
Citations: 3
Effect of hybrid sizings on the surface morphology, mechanical behavior of basalt fibers, and fiber/epoxy composite properties
M Agrawal, RTD Prabhakaran
Polymer Composites 46 (2), 1815-1831 , 2024
2024
Citations: 21
A comparative study of static and fatigue performance of glass and basalt fiber reinforced epoxy composites
M Agrawal, M Gupta, RT Durai Prabhakaran, P Mahajan
Polymer Composites 45, 3551-3565 , 2023
2023
Citations: 22
Effect of fiber sizing on Mechanical properties of carbon reinforced composites: A Review
RTD Prabhakaran
Organic Polymer Material Research 1 (2) , 2020
2020
Citations: 1
Experimental determination of mechanical and physical properties of almond shell particles filled biocomposite in modified epoxy resin
VK Singh, G Bansal, M Agarwal, P Negi
J. Mater. Sci. Eng 5 (3), 246 , 2016
2016
Citations: 28
Investigation of toughening behavior of epoxy resin by reinforcement of depolymerized latex rubber
M Agarwal, M Arif, A Bisht, VK Singh, S Biswas
Science and Engineering of Composite Materials 22 (4), 399-404 , 2015
2015
Citations: 9

MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS

Experimental determination of mechanical and physical properties of almond shell particles filled biocomposite in modified epoxy resin
VK Singh, G Bansal, M Agarwal, P Negi
J. Mater. Sci. Eng 5 (3), 246 , 2016
2016
Citations: 28
A comparative study of static and fatigue performance of glass and basalt fiber reinforced epoxy composites
M Agrawal, M Gupta, RT Durai Prabhakaran, P Mahajan
Polymer Composites 45, 3551-3565 , 2023
2023
Citations: 22
Effect of hybrid sizings on the surface morphology, mechanical behavior of basalt fibers, and fiber/epoxy composite properties
M Agrawal, RTD Prabhakaran
Polymer Composites 46 (2), 1815-1831 , 2024
2024
Citations: 21
Experimental investigations on the fatigue behavior of hybrid basalt/glass fiber epoxy composites
M Agrawal, RT Durai Prabhakaran, P Mahajan
Fatigue & Fracture of Engineering Materials & Structures 47 (7), 2650-2667 , 2024
2024
Citations: 19
Basalt Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy Laminates: Improvement in Quasi-Static and Fatigue Properties with Modified Matrices and Fiber Surfaces Using Silica Nanoparticles
PM M Agrawal, R T Durai Prabhakaran
Applied Composite Materials 32, 659–679 , 2024
2024
Citations: 10
Investigation of toughening behavior of epoxy resin by reinforcement of depolymerized latex rubber
M Agarwal, M Arif, A Bisht, VK Singh, S Biswas
Science and Engineering of Composite Materials 22 (4), 399-404 , 2015
2015
Citations: 9
Static and fatigue tensile performance of glass/basalt/epoxy hybrid and non‐hybrid fiber composites—Role of hybrid sizings and matrix modifications
M Agrawal, RT Durai Prabhakaran, P Mahajan
Polymer Composites 46 (11), 10222-10238 , 2025
2025
Citations: 5
Effect of MWCNTs on static, dynamic, and wear performance of Vacuum assisted Resin infusion Molding (VARIM) processed glass fabric/epoxy polymer composites. Nanofabrication. 9 …
D Malhotra, M Agrawal, RT Durai Prabhakaran
2024
Citations: 3
Advanced Fracture Modelling in Composite Materials: A Phase‐Field Approach Incorporating Elasto‐Plasticity and Nonlocal Effects
AA Lone, M Agrawal, RTD Prabhakaran
International Journal for Numerical Methods in Engineering 126 (24), e70216 , 2025
2025
Citations: 1
Effect of fiber sizing on Mechanical properties of carbon reinforced composites: A Review
RTD Prabhakaran
Organic Polymer Material Research 1 (2) , 2020
2020
Citations: 1

Publications

1. Agrawal M, Gupta M, Durai Prabhakaran RT, Mahajan P. (2025) Static and fatigue tensile performance of glass/basalt/epoxy hybrid and non-hybrid fiber composites - Role of hybrid sizings and matrix modifications. Polymer Composites, doi:10.1002/ SCI (IF: 4.8) ACCEPTED
2. Agrawal M, Durai Prabhakaran RT, Mahajan P. (2024) Basalt fiber-reinforced epoxy laminates: Improvement in quasi-static and fatigue properties with modified matrices and fiber surfaces using silica nanoparticles, Applied Composite materials, 32, 659-679. doi:10.1007/s10443-024-10273-6 SCIE (IF:2.3)
3. Agrawal M, Durai Prabhakaran RT. (2024) Effect of hybrid sizings on the surface morphology, mechanical behavior of basalt fibers, and fiber/epoxy composite properties. Polymer Composites. 46(2), 1815-1831. doi:10.1002/ SCI (IF: 4.8)
4. Agrawal M, Durai Prabhakaran RT, Mahajan P. (2024) Experimental investigations on the fatigue behavior of hybrid basalt/glass fiber epoxy composites. Fatigue Fract Eng Mater Struct., 47, 2650-2667. doi:10.1111/ SCI (IF: 3.7)
5. Agrawal M, Gupta M, Durai Prabhakaran RT, Mahajan P. (2023) A comparative study of static and fatigue performance of glass and basalt fiber reinforced epoxy composites. Polymer Composites, 45(4), 3551-3565. doi:10.1002/ SCI (IF: 4.8)
6. Malhotra D, Agrawal M, Durai Prabhakaran RT. (2024) Effect of MWCNTs on static, dynamic, and wear performance of Vacuum Assisted Resin Infusion Molding (VARIM) processed glass fabric/epo