Influence of Different Modeling Strategies for CFRP on Finite Element Simulation Results

Xueshu Liu,Zhipeng Zhang,Maoqing Xu,Li Huang

doi:10.1051/matecconf/20166706083

Abstract

Numerical simulation is used to predict the behavior and response of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP). Sometimes zero thickness of interface layer is introduced into the numerical model to investigate the inter-layer behavior like delamination. To investigate the influence of critical volume-type defect like void, usually appeared in matrix rich region at the interface between layers, on mechanical properties of CFRP, numerical models with different interface thickness were created and tensile property and three-point bending simulation results were compared to experimental ones. It is found that accurate result is obtained with increasing of the interface thickness and up to 20% that of layer thickness is recommended to model the matrix rich region.

Highlights

Carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) is light weight and high specific stiffness and strength, all of which make it suitable for a wide range of high responsibility applications from spacecraft to sports equipments to satellite dishes
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of different modeling strategies for CFRP on finite element simulation results and propose a modeling method for CFRP materials, which could be applied to evaluate the influences of critical micro-structural features on the mechanical properties of lamina like void
A modeling method for CFRP is proposed by considering the matrix rich region between layers

Summary

Introduction

Carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) is light weight and high specific stiffness and strength, all of which make it suitable for a wide range of high responsibility applications from spacecraft to sports equipments to satellite dishes. CFRP component is a typical laminated structure (Fig. a) and each layer in laminate is named lamina made of matrix and unidirectional fibers (Fig. b). Laminae can be fabricated in different fiber orientation and thickness for excellent macroscopic mechanical properties of the laminate. Laminae usually share the same thickness in real application such as the structure made by prepreg tapes. The macroscopic properties of lamina are important for design because only with them the potential performance of a laminate is predictable after taking the lay-up sequence into consideration. Many methods have been proposed for predicting the elastic constants of a lamina, among which the rule of mixture approach is the simplest one. Following equations are used for the elastic constants approximation [1]

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Conclusion