Uncertainty analysis for prediction of elastic properties of unidirectional bamboo fiber-reinforced composites

Abstract

This paper presents a virtual framework to obtain the elastic response of unidirectional (UD) continuous bamboo fiber-reinforced composites based on the micromechanical modeling approach. The virtual framework involves the development of an algorithm for the generation of stochastic Representative Volume Elements (RVEs), taking into account the micro-structural uncertainty and variability of the bio-based bamboo fibers and their composites. The developed algorithm and model are validated with experimental characterizations and theoretical models. Different statistical micro-structural realizations with random fiber packing, fiber geometries, and variable RVE sizes are compared to investigate the effects of these parameters on the accuracy of the prediction of the elastic properties of bamboo fiber-reinforced composites. All models and loading scenarios are applied automatically through Python scripting in the Abaqus finite element (FE) solver. The uncertainty analysis of input parameters is carried out through parametric studies. This virtual micromechanical framework can be further linked in the future to macroscale models of bamboo or other natural fiber composites for multiscale prediction of the behavior of biocomposite structures under in-service loading.