Multiscale finite element procedure to predict the effective elastic properties of woven composites

Abstract

This paper integrates numerical and experimental approaches to predict the mechanical properties of a woven composite with carbon fiber-based fabrics. Initially, a multiscale modeling approach based on the finite element method ascertained the micro-scale properties of the composite tows, taking into account the effect of voids present in the epoxy resin. Subsequently, a meso-scale model was built and employed to predict the mechanical properties of the composite at this scale. The representative volume elementary (RVE) was generated using TexGen software, and was then imported and used by Abaqus software to compute the effective mechanical properties. Lastly, a macro-scale model of a composite beam was created, simulating a three-point bending test using the effective mechanical properties obtained previously. Concurrently, a physical counterpart of the composite beam was manufactured and subjected to a laboratory three-point bending test, measuring the flexural modulus and many other parameters. A comparison of the two sets of results revealed a high degree of consistency.

Keywords

• Fabrics
• Carbon fiber
• Epoxy resin
• Multi-scale modeling
• Micromechanics
• Simulation