On the simulation of textile reinforced composites and structures

This paper presents experimental and numerical methods to perform simulations of the mechanical behavior of textile reinforced composites and structures. The first aspect considered refers to the meso-to-macro transition in the framework of the finite element (FE) method. Regarding an effective modelling strategy the Binary Model is used to represent the discretized complex architecture of the composite. To simulate the local response and to compute the macroscopic stress and stiffness undergoing small strain a user routine is developed. The results are transfered to the macroscopic model during the solution process. The second aspect concerns the configuration of the fiber orientation and textile shear deformation in complex structural components. To take these deformations which affect the macroscopic material properties into account they are regarded in a macroscopic FE model. (© 2006 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Theoretical and experimental investigation of anisotropic damage in textile-reinforced composite structures

In the present work, a phenomenological plane-stress damage-mechanics-based model for textile-reinforced composites is presented and its predictive capability is evaluated by carrying out a series of experimental tests. Damage variables are introduced to describe the evolution of the damage state and, as a subsequence, the degradation of material stiffness. For calculating the nonlinear stress and strain distribution of complexly loaded composites with a textile reinforcement, a special emphasis has to be placed on the interaction between the fiber failure due to the stress in the fiber direction and the matrix failure due to the transverse and shear stresses. This demands the formulation of realistic failure criteria taking into account the microstructural material behavior and different fracture modes. The new failure criteria, like the fracture mode concepts, consider these fracture modes, as well as further fracture types, in the reinforcement plane. The failure criteria are based on equations for failure surfaces in the stress space and damage thresholds in determining the stiffness degradation of the composite. The model proposed was used to characterize the strength and the failure behavior of carbon-fiber-reinforced composites. For this purpose, several unidirectional and bidirectional tests were performed to determine the specific properties of the material. The specimens were investigated by using acoustic emission techniques and strain-controlled tension and torsion tests.Russian translated published in Mekhanika Kompozitnykh Materialov, Vol. 40, No. 6, pp. 791–810, November–December, 2004.     

On the simulation of textile reinforced concrete using a multi scale approach

Textile reinforced concrete (TRC) is a composite of textile structures made of multi-filament yarns (rovings) within a cementitious matrix. Experimental investigations of textile reinforced concrete specimen show very complex failure mechanisms on different length scales. Therefore mechanical models on the micro, meso and macro scale are introduced. The paper presents a hierarchical material model of TRC on three scales. While on the micro scale the individual filaments of the fiber bundles are distinguished to determine an effective roving behavior, models on the meso scale are used to predict the macroscopic response of the composite material. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Fracture Model for a Thin Layer of a Fibrous Composite

A model for a flat isolated layer of a unidirectional fibrous composite with a regular structure is constructed to investigate the possible variants of its failure development. An integrodifferential equation for determining the forces in fibers is obtained. Primary attention is focused on examining the failure process after the rupture of one fiber. This causes a drastic redistribution of stresses, which can lead to a failure of adjacent fibers owing to the increased load on them, to an interfacial shear fracture, and to the matrix cracking. It is shown that the development of layer failure is determined by the strength of fibers, the crack resistance of the matrix in axial tension and transverse shear, and also by the adhesion strength of the matrix-fiber interface. The sufficient conditions of applicability of the brittle fracture model are formulated.     

Opportunities and challenges for textile reinforced composites

For several decades researchers have been interested in textile processes for the production of composite reinforcement. These technologies have offered several promises: reduced fabrication costs, 3-D multiaxial reinforcement, and damage tolerance. Despite these advantages, textile composites have not reached the level of implementation of laminated composites. In this paper, the opportunities provided by textile reinforced composites and the challenges that limit their implementation will be discussed in detail. Textile composites refer to a family of processes: weaving, braiding, knitting, and hybrids thereof. The various families of textiles will be defined and the basics of fabric formation for each family will be detailed. In particular, the strengths and weaknesses of each manufacturing technique will be addressed to provide a view of the applicability of each technology. This will include some guidance on shape formation capability, property ranges, size limitations, and estimates of cost to produce. Potential applications for these materials will be presented. Among the limitations on the application of textile reinforced composites is the lack of adequate modeling capabilities for these materials. Textile composites have rather large unit cell structures and are highly inhomogeneous throughout their volumes. These features provide benefits in manufacturing, but require novel modeling techniques to correctly understand the mechanical behavior. A review of analytical techniques applied to textile composites will be presented along with a discussion of the benefits and weaknesses of each of these methods. The enabling technologies needed to further the implementation of textile composites in structural applications will be discussed. Submitted to the 11th International Conference on Mechanics of Composite Materials (Riga, June 11–15, 2000). Published in Mekhanika Kompozitnykh Materialov, Vol. 36, No. 2, pp. 165–194, March–April, 2000.     

Deformation of composites with arbitrarily oriented orthotropic fibers under matrix microdamages

In the present work, a model of nonlinear deformation of stochastic composites under microdamaging is developed for the case of a composite with orthotropic inclusions, when microdefects are accumulated in the matrix. The composite is treated as an isotropic matrix strengthened by triaxial arbitrarily oriented ellipsoidal inclusions with orthotropic symmetry of the elastic properties. It is assumed that the process of loading leads to accumulation of damage in the matrix. Fractured microvolumes are modeled by a system of randomly distributed quasispherical pores. The porosity balance equation and relations for determining the effective elastic modules in the case of orthotropic components are taken as basic relations. The fracture criterion is specified as the limiting value of the intensity of average shear stresses acting in the intact part of the material. On the basis of the analytic and numerical approach, we propose an algorithm for the determination of nonlinear deformation properties of the investigated material. The nonlinearity of composite deformations is caused by the finiteness of deformations. By using the numerical solution, the nonlinear stress–strain diagrams are predicted and discussed for an orthotropic composite material for various cases of orientation of inclusions in the matrix.     

Simulation of Buckling-Induced Failure in Composite Laminates

This contribution presents a simple model for the analysis of buckling–induced failure in thin–walled composite laminates in the framework of the finite element method. The plies are modeled with shear deformable geometrically non–linear four–node shell elements which are layered according to the classical laminate theory. Shear locking effects are reduced via the well–known assumed natural strains (ANS) approach. A ply discount model is applied for the successive failure of the plies. The cohesive zone approach which is implemented in so–called interface elements is employed for delamination. The failure processes are history dependent leading to non–recurring stiffness degradation in areas where damage is detected. A numerical example with experimental evidence highlights the performance and applicability of the proposed model. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Experimental and theoretical investigation of a composite beam for bridge structures

Results of an experimental and theoretical investigation of composite beams as elements of bridge superstructure are presented. Experiments on beams of two types — made of wood and the same beams with a composite sheath — were carried out. The rigidity of the beams of the second type was about twice as high as that of the first ones. The classical bending model of composite beams gave deflections smaller than experimental ones. To reconcile these results, the model is refined by including the effect of shear. The deflections are represented as classical ones multiplied by a shear factor which depends on the bending and shear stiffnesses and the span length of the beams. As a result, a good agreement between calculations and experiments is achieved. __________ Translated from Mekhanika Kompozitnykh Materialov, Vol. 42, No. 4, pp. 449–462, July–August, 2006.     

Limiting stresses in spatially reinforced composites with components-having different structural geometries nd elastic properties

A model which is proposed for calculating structural stresses in spatially reinforced composites and an invariant-polynomial criterion for evaluating their limiting values are used to predict the effect of the elastic and strength properties of the components and their relative content on the limiting stress-strain state of composites of different structures. Emphasis is given to tri-orthogonal and 4D cubic structures, in addition to structures with hexagonal and angle-ply fiber reinforcement schemes in the plane and perpendicular to it. The types of composite loading typical of standard tests are examined in separate numerical experiments for shear, tension, compression, and their proportional combination. A computational variant of a criterional estimate of the limiting stresses is substantiated for an anisotropic composite of variable strength. The limiting-stress surface is obtained along with contour maps showing stress isolines as a function of the properties of the components and the geometry of the structure. The maps are suitable for practical use. The cases of maximum resistance to shear, tension, compression, and combination loading of 3D and 4D composites are compared to the analogous cases for two-dimensional structures.Presented at the Ninth International Conference on the Mechanics of Composite Materials (Riga, October, 1995).Translated from Mekhanika Kompozitnykh Materialov, No. 5, pp. 616–639, September–October, 1995.     

Modeling and homogenization of textile reinforced composites based on the isogeometric analysis

In this contribution, the isogeometric analysis is used to compute the effective material properties of textile reinforced composites. The isogeometric analysis based on non-uniform rational B-splines (NURBS) provides an efficient approach for numerical modeling because there is no need for a mesh generation. There are further advantages such as the availability of a geometry representation based on NURBS in computer-aided design software and the possibility to apply different refinement methods which do not change the geometry of the numerical model. These properties motivate the combination of the isogeometric analysis with the homogenization method. Therefor, the unit cell model representing the inner architecture of a textile reinforced composite is defined using NURBS. In order to compute the effective mechanical properties of the heterogeneous material, the homogenization method with periodic boundary conditions is applied. Finally, two examples demonstrate the advantages of this approach. (© 2011 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

基于随机电阻网络碳毡复合层力阻建模

基于碳纤维单丝力阻效应影响因素的统计规律,揭示了碳毡复合层力阻传感特性的导电网络定量化模型．对碳纤维单丝相互搭接后的长度进行了讨论,得到关于纤维均长、纤维密度、纤维根数等多参量间的统计关系;在假设毡内纤维随机均匀分布且搭接点正态分布的情况下,分别对4种不同尺寸的碳纤维毡复合层的电阻进行了估测,并通过箱线图分析表明实测值在相应的估测范围内,说明本模型可较好地对碳纤维随机乱相分布的碳毡复合层电阻进行估测;最后,基于碳毡电阻网络的统计模型,对碳毡复合层的力阻特性进行了研究,通过比较理论电阻变化率与实测电阻变化率发现模型给出的复合层力阻效应灵敏系数较为稳定,从而表明随机电阻网络模型可较好的模拟碳毡受载荷时的力阻行为．     

Analytical prediction of damage in the composite part of a type-3 hydrogen storage vessel

The damage behavior of a type-3 hydrogen storage vessel is modeled. The vessel consists of a metal envelop, called liner, coated with a filament winding. The model proposed allows simulating the mechanical response of the structure to a quasi-static loading. The model is based on a meso-macro approach and takes into account the damage behavior of the composite and the elastoplastic deformation of the liner. The results obtained are compared with experimental data. Finally, the effect of stacking sequence of filament layers on the damage level in the composite is investigated.     

球形涂层粒子增强复合材料的有效模量

本文通过四相球模型和复合材料的等效介质理论,研究了球形涂层粒子增强复合材料的有效模量性质,得到了这种增强复合材料的有效体积模量和有效剪切模量的理论预测公式。这些结果在特殊情况下,可退化到三相球模型确定的球形粒子增强复合材料的有效模量公式。     

Two new hyperbolic shear displacement models for orthotropic laminated composite plates

Two hyperbolic displacement models, HPSDT1 and HPSDT2, are developed for a bending analysis of orthotropic laminated composite plates. These models take into account the parabolic distribution of transverse shear stresses and satisfy the condition of zero shear stresses on the top and bottom surfaces of the plates. The accuracy of the analysis presented is demonstrated by comparing the results with solutions derived from other higher-order models and with data found in the literature. It is established that the HPSDT1 model is more accurate than some theories of laminates developed previously, and therefore the analysis can be expanded to laminated composite shells.     

The effective shear modulus for an n-layered composite sphere

This work presents the derivation of the effective shear modulus for a heterogeneous material composed of multi-layered composite spheres embedded in a linear elastic matrix. It is based on the composite spheres model known from the literature. In contrast to previous publications the effective shear modulus is obtained by equating the results of two models: In the first model, a heterogeneous sphere is embedded in an equivalent homogeneous material, whereas in the second model, the heterogeneous sphere is replaced by an equivalent homogeneous sphere. In the context of both, a shear stress approach and a shear deformation approach, this results into an overdetermined system of equations which is solved with the least squares method. In a numerical study our results are compared to effective moduli and bounds from the literature. Furthermore, a convincing agreement with experimental data for glass microspheres embedded in a polyester matrix is demonstrated. (© 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Formulation and evaluation of a finite element model for the linear analysis of stiffened composite cylindrical panels

A finite element model for linear static and free vibration analysis of composite cylindrical panels with composite stiffeners is presented. The proposed model is based on a cylindrical shell finite element, which uses a first-roder shear deformation theory. The stiffeners are curved beam elements based on Timoshenko and Saint-Venant assumptions for bending and torsion respectively. The two elements are developed in a cylindrical coordinate system and their stiffness matrices result from a hybrid-mixed formulation where the element assumed stress field is such that exact equilibrium equations are satisfied. The elements are free of membrane and shear locking with correct satisfaction of rigid body motions. Several examples dealing with stiffened isotropic and laminated plates and shells with eccentric as well as concentric stiffeners are analyzed showing the validity of the models.     

Finite-element calculation of a plate compliant in transverse shear

A finite-element calculation of a plate with a low transverse shear stiffness is presented. As the basic kinematic parameters, the angles of transverse shear at each of four nodes of the finite element of the plate are selected. The results found for the stress-strain state of an isotropic homogeneous composite and a three-layer plates confirm that the finite-element model elaborated is also efficient in the cases of nonclassical boundary conditions for plates, including conditions for the angles of transverse shear.     

Geometrically nonlinear bending analysis of laminated composite plate

In this work, a transverse bending of shear deformable laminated composite plates in Green–Lagrange sense accounting for the transverse shear and large rotations are presented. Governing equations are developed in the framework of higher order shear deformation theory. All higher order terms arising from nonlinear strain–displacement relations are included in the formulation. The present plate theory satisfies zero transverse shear strains conditions at the top and bottom surfaces of the plate in von-Karman sense. A C⁰ isoparametric finite element is developed for the present nonlinear model. Numerical results for the laminated composite plates of orthotropic materials with different system parameters and boundary conditions are found out. The results are also compared with those available in the literature. Some new results with different parameters are also presented.     

Free vibration analysis of cracked composite beams subjected to coupled bending–torsion loads based on a first order shear deformation theory

In this paper, free vibration analysis of cracked composite beam subjected to coupled bending–torsion loading is presented. The composite beam is assumed to have an open edge crack of length a. A first order shear deformation theory is applied to count for the effect of shear deformations on natural frequencies as well as the effect of coupling in torsion and bending modes of vibration. Governing equations and boundary conditions are derived using Hamilton principle. Local flexibility matrix is used to obtain the additional boundary conditions of the beam in cracked area. After obtaining the governing equations and boundary conditions, generalized differential quadrature (GDQ) method is applied to solve the obtained eigenvalue problem. Finally, some numerical results of beams with various boundary conditions and different fiber orientations are given to show the efficiency of the method. In addition, to study the effect of shear deformations, numerical results of the current model are compared with previously given results in which shear deformations were neglected.