A novel rapid generation algorithm for Representative Volume Element (RVE) in composite materials considering pore geometrical parameters

Abstract

Pore defects are inevitable in the manufacturing process and significantly affect the mechanical properties of composite materials. In this work, a novel algorithm capable of concurrently generating both ellipsoidal and gourd-shaped pores in composite materials is proposed and the interference detection procedure is optimized for efficient interference detection between the generated geometrical bodies. Besides, the algorithm is integrated with RVE-based finite element (FE) simulation to explore the effects of various pore types, volumes, aspect ratios, and porosity on the elastic properties of unidirectional C/C composites. The present work provides a valuable reference for generating general pore defects and investigating their resulting effects on mechanical properties of related composite structures.