An algorithm for the generation of three-dimensional statistically Representative Volume Elements of unidirectional fibre-reinforced plastics: focusing on the fibres waviness

G. Catalanotti*, T. A. Sebaey

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

27 Citations (Scopus)
75 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

An algorithm for the generation of periodic three-dimensional statistically Representative Volume Elements (RVEs) of unidirectional (UD) fibre-reinforced plastics (FRPs) is reported. Fibres are modelled as Bézier curves, which control points are moved in a semi-random fashion, in order to introduce waviness along the fibres. Spatial descriptors, able to statistically characterise the fibre waviness, are proposed, and their probability distributions are optimized for possible matching with experimental measurements. The developed procedure is able to generate the fibre geometry in an effective and fast way. This represents the first step in the generation of high-fidelity micromechanical models for UD FRPs.

Original languageEnglish
Article number111272
Number of pages7
JournalComposite Structures
Volume227
Early online date08 Aug 2019
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 01 Nov 2019

Keywords

  • A. Representative Volume Elements (RVEs)
  • B. Micromechanical modelling
  • C. Fibre waviness
  • D. Statistical analysis

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Ceramics and Composites
  • Civil and Structural Engineering

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