Multiscale modelling of the mechanical response of 3D multi-axial knitted 3D spacer composites

Abstract

Multiscale modelling of 3D multi-axial knitted 3D spacer composites is proposed. The developed modeling approach is based on a full-field finite element homogenization and conducted at each microstructural level. The relevant scales and their related material features have been identified by means of micro-tomography imaging. The homogenized mechanical response at each level has been identified using appropriate (isotropic or anisotropic) hyperelastic material model and used in the upper level. Thus, the multiscale modeling is carried out through the transfer of information between different length scales rather than by coupling different simulation techniques. The multiscale modeling presented in this work sheds light on the complex mechanics of the textile-rubber microstructure. Moreover, our study may support the design of this class of 3D-fabric-rubber materials by enabling the optimization of the different constituents to obtain specific mechanical properties. The correlation between models and experiments is good, both in terms of details in the architecture and mechanical properties. There are however some deviations that could be explained by the models being more regular than the real material microstructure.