  Epoxy is widely used primarily as a matrix material in the manufacture of
polymer matrix composite. Epoxy behavior under compression load has to be
understood before the mechanical behavior of polymer matrix composite can be
accurately predicted. Simulation model combined with experiment and image
analysis have been used to investigate internal response of epoxy polymeric
materials subjected to compressive loads. In the experiment, small carbon-based
material rods are inserted in the epoxy. The samples are held in one side and
subjected to compressive load on the other side. All the samples swell at load
sides. Image analysis on the carbon-based rods figures out the internal
response, which seems to be isotropy in lateral direction. The results are
compared to simulation results. The simulation is conducted using Abaqus FEA
software. Similar condition is obtained when a brittle thin material is stuck
to the top of simulation model.
  Keywords: Abaqus FEA, compression, epoxy, polymer matrix composites
