An innovative computational framework for the analysis of complex mechanical behaviors of short fiber reinforced polymer composites

Abstract

Computational micromechanics analysis of short fiber reinforced polymer (SFRP) composites is of great significance to provide an understanding of the relationship between microstructures and complex mechanical behaviors of the materials. In this study, an innovative computational framework is proposed for the analysis of SFRP composites considering multiple constituents and different failure modes. Firstly, a unit cell model composed of fiber, matrix and interface is built up to analyze the nonuniform stress distribution around a fiber. Secondly, a reconstruction algorithm is proposed to provide geometrical information of fiber distributions with arbitrary orientation state and a wide range of fiber length and fiber volume fraction. With the help of embedded element method (EEM) and MATLAB script, RVE models embedded with numerous unit cells are established. The predicted properties of the RVE models of short glass fiber reinforced polypropylene (SGFRPP) are verified by an orientation average method and a modified rule of mixture, respectively. The progressive damage procedure of the material is predicted and the damage initiation and evolution are for the first time quantitatively characterized by the extent variables of different failure modes. An in situ microtomography tensile test are performed to prove the feasibility and accuracy of the proposed framework.