Sub-voxel based finite element modelling of fibre-reinforced composites

Abstract

For fibre-reinforced composites, most of their mechanical properties is tied to the fibre scale. Thus, imaging-based characterisation demands resolving fibres to characterise these materials accurately. However, high resolutions limit the field of view and lead to lengthy acquisition times. Emerging non-destructive imaging technologies and algorithms now accurately provide fibre orientations without detecting individual fibres. Studies show that voxel sizes up to fifteen times the fibre diameter are feasible, still allowing accurate tensile modulus predictions. Our presented software incorporates sub-voxel fibre orientation distributions using ultra-low-resolution three-dimensional X-ray tomography data in a numerical model, providing an effective method for characterising these materials.