Abstract
The non-uniform spatial arrangement of fibres in composite materials leads to an irregular stress distribution across the microstructure, with peak stress regions initiating material damage early in the loading history. In order to accurately predict damage at a microscopic scale, a statistically equivalent representative volume element (SERVE) is developed herein. This paper focuses on developing a SERVE for a continuous carbon fibre reinforced epoxy composite material. A numerical algorithm is used to generate the microstructure defined by a hard-core random field. This generated microstructure is then compared to the actual microstructure, which has been statistically characterised using image analysis software. It is found that due to the high volume fraction of the carbon fibre composite, the microstructure cannot be modelled as a hard-core random field and so a new approach is identified.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Proceedings of the 9th International Conference on Computational Structures Technology, CST 2008 |
Publisher | Civil-Comp Press |
Volume | 88 |
ISBN (Print) | 9781905088232 |
Publication status | Published - 2008 |
Event | 9th International Conference on Computational Structures Technology, CST 2008 - Athens, Greece Duration: 2 Sep 2008 → 5 Sep 2008 |
Conference
Conference | 9th International Conference on Computational Structures Technology, CST 2008 |
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Country/Territory | Greece |
City | Athens |
Period | 2/09/08 → 5/09/08 |
Keywords
- Carbon fibre
- Composites
- Multi-scale modelling
- Random point fields
- Representative volume elements
- Statistical microstructure