Characterization of unidirectional fiber reinforced polymer composites manufactured through resin film infusion process using micromechanical modeling

Abstract

Resin Film Infusion (RFI) process is used for manufacturing large and thick unidirectional fiber reinforced polymer (UD FRP) composite structures for load bearing applications. Designing these load bearing structures requires the knowledge of effective elastic and strength characteristics of these composites. In this study, strength and stiffness properties of UD FRP manufactured through RFI process are predicted using a micromechanical modeling approach. A 3D representative volume element (3DRVE) with hexagonal array of fibers is used and all nine elastic constants of UD FRP composite are predicted. Failure models for fiber and resin are used to predict longitudinal tension/compression, transverse tension/compression and longitudinal shear strengths. Experiments were conducted on UD FRP composite manufactured through RFI process to obtain strength and stiffness properties. Results of experiment and simulations are compared and results validated.