Three-dimensional nonlinear micro/meso-mechanical response of the fibre-reinforced polymer composites

TL;DR

This paper presents a comprehensive 3D multi-scale computational framework for predicting the nonlinear micro/meso-mechanical behavior of fibre-reinforced polymer composites, considering damage mechanisms like matrix plasticity and fibre-matrix decohesion.

Contribution

It introduces a novel multi-scale finite element approach with advanced boundary conditions and high-performance computing capabilities for accurate composite response prediction.

Findings

Framework accurately predicts nonlinear responses of various FRP composites.

Validation against experimental and numerical results confirms model reliability.

Study reveals the influence of interface properties on composite behavior.

Abstract

A three-dimensional multi-scale computational homogenisation framework is developed for the prediction of nonlinear micro/meso-mechanical response of the fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites. Two dominant damage mechanisms, i.e. matrix elasto-plastic response and fibre-matrix decohesion are considered and modelled using a non-associative pressure dependent paraboloidal yield criterion and cohesive interface elements respectively. A linear-elastic transversely isotropic material model is used to model yarns/fibres within the representative volume element (RVE). A unified approach is used to impose the RVE boundary conditions, which allows convenient switching between linear displacement, uniform traction and periodic boundary conditions. The computational model is implemented within the framework of the hierarchic finite element, which permits the use of arbitrary orders of approximation. Furthermore, the computational framework is designed to take advantage of distributed memory high-performance computing. The accuracy and performance of the computational framework are demonstrated with a variety of numerical examples, including unidirectional FRP composite, a composite comprising a multi-fibre and multi-layer RVE, with randomly generated fibres, and a single layered plain weave textile composite. Results are validated against the reference experimental/numerical results from the literature. The computational framework is also used to study the effect of matrix and fibre-matrix interfaces properties on the homogenised stress-strain responses.