Effect of micromechanical parameters of composites with wavy fibers on their effective response under large deformations. (July 2018) - Kuksenko, Dmytro
Highlights: Large-deformation response of composites with wavy fibers is studied. Analysis of periodic wavy unit cells is performed using FEA. Effects of fiber radius, crimp ratio, and arrangement are studied. Predictions of 3D models are compared with 2D plane strain analysis results. Abstract: The large deformation response of composites reinforced by continuous wavy fibers is investigated using three-dimensional Finite Element Analysis. The focus is placed on in-phase fibers with circular cross-sections following sinusoidal paths. The effects of the following micromechanical parameters are analyzed – relative fiber radius, fiber crimp ratio, fiber arrangement and matrix material compressibility. In addition, the responses predicted by three-dimensional and two-dimensional plane strain models are compared. The considered composite is modeled as a fully periodic wavy unit cell subjected to periodic boundary conditions and three load cases – elongations in the x 1 (longitudinal) and x 2 (transverse) directions, and simple shear in the x 1 – x 2 plane. Both constituents of the composite, the fibers and the matrix, are modeled using an isotropic hyperelastic material formulation. The results are presented as plots of macroscopic Cauchy stress components versus applied stretch (or strain in the case of the shear loading) and of fiber undulation versus applied stretch for the longitudinal elongation.