A computationally efficient approach for generating RVEs of various inclusion/fibre shapes. (1st July 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nakka, Rajesh; Harursampath, Dineshkumar; Pathan, Mehtab; Ponnusami, Sathiskumar A.
• Is Part Of: Composite structures. Volume 291(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-07-01
• Subjects: Fibre composites -- Particulate composites -- Microstructure -- Micromechanics -- Collision detection; Composite construction -- Periodicals; Composites -- Périodiques; 624.18
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compstruct.2022.115560
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0263-8223

Abstract

Abstract: A computationally efficient method for generating virtual periodic representative volume element (RVE), capable of handling arbitrary inclusion shapes, is developed. A universal collision/overlap detection and repair method is proposed, where each inclusion shape is represented as a union of n-Spheres (UnS). A constrained optimization problem is formulated and solved to remove inclusion overlaps; a closed-form solution is derived for calculating the degree of inclusions overlap and its gradient vector with respect to inclusion position. RVE generation is illustrated with circular, spherical, four non-circular and four non-spherical inclusion shapes. Computational efficiency is demonstrated using an elaborate RVE generation time study. The generated RVEs are evaluated using various statistical metrics; results confirm the random distribution of inclusions. Effective properties of RVEs, representing unidirectional composites, are determined using homogenization with various fibre cross-section shapes; obtained mechanical properties have shown transverse isotropy.