Numerical-experimental approach to assess the deflection behaviour of carbon fibre fishing rod

Deflection of a commercial hollow type fishing rod is investigated in this research. The fishing rod of interest is of Abu Garcia brand, made of carbon fibre. Analytical, experimental and numerical approach were performed to assess the bending of the rod under maximum 1.25 kg load located at the tip which represents the rod in pulling. The deflection is defined by longitudinal displacement of each point of guide rings located along the fishing rod. A mathematical model based on basic bending theory of cantilevered beam is formulated to obtain the deflection and then experiment was carried out by immobilizing one end horizontally on the wall and applying at tip force. The final position of the rings was marked, and the displacements were recorded. Finite element model was developed as an isotropic and elastic material via ANSYS software. Results from all approach were compared and it was found that analytical and numerical able to predict a similar trend of bending behaviour. However, large discrepancies were observed in the experimental curves due to several reasons.