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An Experimentally Based Micromechanical Framework Exploring Effects of Void Shape on Macromechanical Properties.
Sara Eliasson1,2,3, Mathilda Karlsson Hagnell4, Per Wennhage2,3
1Scania CV AB, SE-151 87 Södertälje, Sweden.
Materials (Basel, Switzerland)
|June 24, 2022
Summary
This study introduces a micromechanical simulation framework to model manufacturing defects in composites. It accurately predicts material properties by incorporating void characteristics and geometry, aiding industrial applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Mechanical Engineering
- Computational Modeling
Background:
- Manufacturing defects like voids significantly impact composite material properties.
- Existing models often oversimplify or neglect the influence of these defects.
- Accurate prediction of mechanical behavior requires detailed consideration of microstructural features.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a micromechanical simulation framework within Multi-Scale Modeling (MSM) capable of accounting for manufacturing defects.
- To investigate the influence of void characteristics (size, shape, fraction) on the effective macromechanical properties of cross-ply laminates.
- To establish a robust method for integrating real microstructural geometry and defect data into simulations.
Main Methods:
- Development of a micromechanical simulation approach using a Multi-Scale Modeling (MSM) framework.
- Creation of a Representative Volume Element (RVE) model using actual microstructural geometry from micrographs.
- Implementation of voids into the RVE model based on statistical experimental data.
- Evaluation of the effects of voids on fiber distribution and effective macromechanical properties.
Main Results:
- The proposed framework accurately predicts macromechanical properties of laminates with defects.
- The RVE algorithm effectively maintains fiber distribution around implemented voids.
- Local void characteristics (fraction, size, shape) demonstrably influence effective micromechanical properties.
- A strong correlation exists between local void characteristics and overall laminate properties.
Conclusions:
- The micromechanical simulation framework provides accurate predictions for composite materials with manufacturing defects.
- Considering local void characteristics is crucial for understanding effective mechanical properties.
- The framework shows significant potential for industrial implementation, enabling identification of critical areas in laminates.
