Continuum Mechanics Modelling Of Fibre Reinforced Polymer Composites

Multi-scale modelling of composites is a very relevant topic in composites science. This is illustrated by the numerous sessions in the recent European and International Conferences on Composite Materials, but also by the fast developments in multi-scale modelling software tools, developed by large industrial players such as Siemens (Virtual Material Characterization toolkit and MultiMechanics virtual testing software), MSC/e-Xstream (Digimat software), Simulia (micromechanics plug-in in Abaqus), HyperSizer (Multi-scale design of composites), Altair (Altair Multiscale Designer) This book is intended to be an ideal reference on the latest advances in multi-scale modelling of fibre-reinforced polymer composites, that is accessible for both (young) researchers and end users of modelling software. We target three main groups: This book aims at a complete introduction and overview of the state-of-the-art in multi-scale modelling of composites in three axes: • ranging from prediction of homogenized elastic properties to nonlinear material behaviour • ranging from geometrical models for random packing of unidirectional fibres over meso-scale geometries for textile composites to orientation tensors for short fibre composites • ranging from damage modelling of unidirectionally reinforced composites over textile composites to short fibre-reinforced composites The book covers the three most important scales in multi-scale modelling of composites: (i) micro-scale, (ii) meso-scale and (iii) macro-scale. The nano-scale and related atomistic and molecular modelling approaches are deliberately excluded, since the book wants to focus on continuum mechanics and there are already a lot of dedicated books about polymer nanocomposites. A strong focus is put on physics-based damage modelling, in the sense that the chapters devote attention to modelling the different damage mechanisms (matrix cracking, fibre/matrix debonding, delamination, fibre fracture,...) in such a way that the underlying physics of the initiation and growth of these damage modes is respected. The book also gives room to not only discuss the finite element based approaches for multi-scale modelling, but also much faster methods that are popular in industrial software, such as Mean Field Homogenization methods (based on Mori-Tanaka and Eshelby solutions) and variational methods (shear lag theory and more advanced theories). Since the book targets a wide audience, the focus is put on the most common numerical approaches that are used in multi-scale modelling. Very specialized numerical methods like peridynamics modelling, Material Point Method, eXtended Finite Element Method (XFEM), isogeometric analysis, SPH (Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics),... are excluded. Outline of the book The book is divided in three large parts, well balanced with each a similar number of chapters:

Learn to model your own problems for predicting the properties of polymer-based composites Mechanics of Particle- and Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Nanocomposites: Nanoscale to Continuum Simulations provides readers with a thorough and up-to-date overview of nano, micro, and continuum approaches for the multiscale modeling of polymer-based composites. Covering nanocomposite development, theoretical models, and common simulation methods, the text includes a variety of case studies and scripting tutorials that enable readers to apply and further develop the supplied simulations. The book describes the foundations of molecular dynamics and continuum mechanics methods, guides readers through the basic steps required for multiscale modeling of any material, and correlates the results between the experimental and theoretical work performed. Focused primarily on nanocomposites, the methods covered in the book are applicable to various other materials such as carbon nanotubes, polymers, metals, and ceramics. Throughout the book, readers are introduced to key topics of relevance to nanocomposite materials and structures—supported by journal articles that discuss recent developments in modeling techniques and in the prediction of mechanical and thermal properties. This timely, highly practical resource: Explains the molecular dynamics (MD) simulation procedure for nanofiber and nanoparticle reinforced polymer composites Compares results of experimental and theoretical results from mechanical models at different length scales Covers different types of fibers and matrix materials that constitute composite materials, including glass, boron, carbon, and Kevlar Reviews models that predict the stiffness of short-fiber composites, including the self-consistent model for finite-length fibers, bounding models, and the Halpin-Tsai equation Describes various molecular modeling methods such as Monte Carlo, Brownian dynamics, dissipative particle dynamics, and lattice Boltzmann methods Highlights the potential of nanocomposites for defense and space applications Perfect for materials scientists, materials engineers, polymer scientists, and mechanical engineers, Mechanics of Particle- and Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Nanocomposites is also a must-have reference for computer simulation scientists seeking to improve their understanding of reinforced polymer nanocomposites.

This work proposes a new numerical approach for analyzing the behavior of fiber-reinforced materials, which have gained popularity in various applications. The approach combines theories and methods to model the fracture behavior of the polymeric matrix and the embedded fibers separately, and includes a modified plasticity model that considers the temperature-dependent growth of voids. Tests are conducted to explore different types and sequences of failure in long fiber-reinforced polymers.

In this study, a technique has been proposed for developing constitive models for polymer composite systems reinforced with single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT). Since the polymer molecules are on the same size scale as the nanotubes, the interaction at the polymer/nanotube interface is highly dependent on the local molecular structure and bonding. At these small length scales, the lattice structures of the nanotube and polymer chains cannot be be considered continuous, and the bulk mechanical properties of the SWNT/polymer composites can no longer be determined through traditional micromechanical approaches that are formulated using continuum mechanics. It is proposed herein that the nanotube, the local polymer near the nanotube, and the nanotube/polymer interface can be modeled as an effective continuum fiber using an equivalent-continuum modeling method.

This book presents the state-of-the-art in multiscale modeling and simulation techniques for composite materials and structures. It focuses on the structural and functional properties of engineering composites and the sustainable high performance of components and structures. The multiscale techniques can be also applied to nanocomposites which are important application areas in nanotechnology. There are few books available on this topic.