Modelling of textile composites with fibre strength variability

• Published in: Composites science and technology Vol. 105; pp. 44 - 50
• Main Authors: Matveev, M.Y., Long, A.C., Jones, I.A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 10.12.2014; Elsevier
• Subjects: A. Textile composites; Applied sciences; B. Mechanical properties; Bundles; C. Multiscale modelling; Carbon fibres; Computer simulation; Exact sciences and technology; Fibre; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; Laminates; Mathematical models; Monte Carlo methods; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Strength; Technology of polymers; Textile composites; B. Mechanical properties; A. Textile composites; C. Multiscale modelling; Monte Carlo method; Vinyl ester resin; Computer simulation; Laminate; Mechanical model; Fiber reinforced material; Theoretical study; Mechanical properties; Mineral fiber; Modeling; Composite material; Micromechanics; Finite element method; Size effect; Woven material; Carbon fiber
• ISSN: 0266-3538; 1879-1050
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compscitech.2014.09.012

Scatter in composite mechanical properties is related to variabilities occurring at different scales. This work attempts to analyse fibre strength variability numerically from micro to macro-scale taking into account the size effect and its transition between scales. Two micro-mechanical models based on the Weibull distribution were used within meso-scale finite element models of fibre bundles which were validated against experimental results. These models were then implemented in a meso-scale model of an AS4 carbon fibre plain weave/vinyl ester textile composite. Monte Carlo simulations showed that fibre strength variability has a limited effect on the strength of the textile composite at the meso-scale and introduces variability of less than 2% from the mean value. Macro-scale strength based on the predicted meso-scale distribution was lower than the strength of the composite without variability by 1–4% depending on the model. The presented multi-scale approach demonstrates that a wide fibre strength distribution leads to a narrow distribution of composite strength and a shift to lower mean values.