A Multiscale Computational Framework To Predict The Nonlinear Response Of Fibre-Reinforced Polymer Composites

Abstract

Objective: Development of multi-scale computational framework for the prediction of nonlinear micro/meso response of the fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites. Methods: The multi-scale computational framework provides the macroscopic constitutive behaviour of the structures based on its microscopically heterogeneous representative volume element (RVE).

Two dominant damage mechanisms 1:

Matrix plasticity (using pressure-dependent paraboloidal yield criterion).

Fibre-matrix decohesion (using zero thickness cohesive interface elements).

Yarns/fibres as transversely isotropic materials (calculation of fibre directions using potential flow analysis) 2.

Generalised imposition of the RVE boundary conditions which allows convenient switching between displacement, traction and periodic boundary conditions 3.

Adoption of hierarchic finite elements, which permits the use of arbitrary order of approximation 4.

Implementation of the computational framework in an open-source finite element software MoFEM (Mesh Oriented Finite Element Method) and is designed to take advantage of the high-performance computing 5.