3D geometric modelling of discontinuous fibre composites using a force-directed algorithm

A geometrical modelling scheme is presented to produce representative architectures for discontinuous fibre composites, enabling downstream modelling of mechanical properties. The model generates realistic random fibre architectures containing high filament count bundles (>3k) and high (~50%) fib...

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Main Authors: Harper, L.T., Qian, C.C., Luchoo, R., Warrior, N.A.
Format: Article
Published: Sage 2016
Subjects:
Online Access:https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/41130/
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author Harper, L.T.
Qian, C.C.
Luchoo, R.
Warrior, N.A.
author_facet Harper, L.T.
Qian, C.C.
Luchoo, R.
Warrior, N.A.
author_sort Harper, L.T.
building Nottingham Research Data Repository
collection Online Access
description A geometrical modelling scheme is presented to produce representative architectures for discontinuous fibre composites, enabling downstream modelling of mechanical properties. The model generates realistic random fibre architectures containing high filament count bundles (>3k) and high (~50%) fibre volume fractions. Fibre bundles are modelled as thin shells using a multi-dimension modelling strategy, in which fibre bundles are distributed and compacted to simulate pressure being applied from a matched mould tool. FE simulations are performed to benchmark the in-plane mechanical properties obtained from the numerical model against experimental data, with a detailed study presented to evaluate the tensile properties at various fibre volume fractions and specimen thicknesses. Tensile modulus predictions are in close agreement (less than 5% error) with experimental data at volume fractions below 45%. Ultimate tensile strength predictions are within 4.2% of the experimental data at volume fractions between 40%-55%. This is a significant improvement over existing 2D modelling approaches, as the current model offers increased levels of fidelity, capturing dominant failure mechanisms and the influence of out-of-plane fibres.
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spelling nottingham-411302020-05-04T18:17:49Z https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/41130/ 3D geometric modelling of discontinuous fibre composites using a force-directed algorithm Harper, L.T. Qian, C.C. Luchoo, R. Warrior, N.A. A geometrical modelling scheme is presented to produce representative architectures for discontinuous fibre composites, enabling downstream modelling of mechanical properties. The model generates realistic random fibre architectures containing high filament count bundles (>3k) and high (~50%) fibre volume fractions. Fibre bundles are modelled as thin shells using a multi-dimension modelling strategy, in which fibre bundles are distributed and compacted to simulate pressure being applied from a matched mould tool. FE simulations are performed to benchmark the in-plane mechanical properties obtained from the numerical model against experimental data, with a detailed study presented to evaluate the tensile properties at various fibre volume fractions and specimen thicknesses. Tensile modulus predictions are in close agreement (less than 5% error) with experimental data at volume fractions below 45%. Ultimate tensile strength predictions are within 4.2% of the experimental data at volume fractions between 40%-55%. This is a significant improvement over existing 2D modelling approaches, as the current model offers increased levels of fidelity, capturing dominant failure mechanisms and the influence of out-of-plane fibres. Sage 2016-10-06 Article PeerReviewed Harper, L.T., Qian, C.C., Luchoo, R. and Warrior, N.A. (2016) 3D geometric modelling of discontinuous fibre composites using a force-directed algorithm. Journal of Composite Materials . ISSN 1530-793X Discontinuous composite finite element analysis force-directed algorithm http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0021998316672722 doi:10.1177/0021998316672722 doi:10.1177/0021998316672722
spellingShingle Discontinuous composite
finite element analysis
force-directed algorithm
Harper, L.T.
Qian, C.C.
Luchoo, R.
Warrior, N.A.
3D geometric modelling of discontinuous fibre composites using a force-directed algorithm
title 3D geometric modelling of discontinuous fibre composites using a force-directed algorithm
title_full 3D geometric modelling of discontinuous fibre composites using a force-directed algorithm
title_fullStr 3D geometric modelling of discontinuous fibre composites using a force-directed algorithm
title_full_unstemmed 3D geometric modelling of discontinuous fibre composites using a force-directed algorithm
title_short 3D geometric modelling of discontinuous fibre composites using a force-directed algorithm
title_sort 3d geometric modelling of discontinuous fibre composites using a force-directed algorithm
topic Discontinuous composite
finite element analysis
force-directed algorithm
url https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/41130/
https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/41130/
https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/41130/