A new method for generating the random fiber arrangement of representative volume element for unidirectional fiber reinforced composites

Abstract

This study presents a new method to generate random fiber arrangements in a representative volume element model, which remains applicable at high fiber volume fractions. First of all, the fibers are arranged regularly to ensure accurate fiber volume fraction. Afterwards, disturbances are applied to all fibers to generate random arrangements. The image recognition technique and statistical analysis are used to quantitatively evaluate the randomness of the disturbed fiber arrangement. Eventually, the high efficiency of the method is verified by analyzing the consumption time of modeling, and its validity is also confirmed by comparing the calculated results with the tested results.