The Finite Element Method in Thermosetting Polymers' and FRPs' Supramolecular Structure and Thermomechanical...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Science
• Mechanical Engineering

Background:

• Thermosetting polymers and fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) are crucial engineering materials.
• Accurate prediction of their mechanical and thermal properties is essential for reliable structural design.
• Existing modeling techniques may not fully capture the complex behavior of these materials under various conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a finite element (FE) method for modeling cured thermosetting epoxy polymers and FRPs.
• To predict the mechanical and thermal properties of these materials with high accuracy.
• To investigate the influence of temperature on material behavior.

Main Methods:

• Structural mathematical modeling and computer-based finite element (FE) modeling.
• Development of FE models based on tetrahedral supramolecular structure, incorporating glass fiber rods for FRP.
• Utilizing structural density as a key parameter to define element size, disposition, and viscoelastic properties.
• Validation of FE models against experimental data for tensile strength and deformation.

Main Results:

• Successful development of FE models for cured epoxy polymer and FRP.
• FE models accurately predict short-term and long-term deformations under mechanical load.
• The models demonstrate high accuracy in predicting properties considering the temperature factor.
• Viscoelastic properties and long-term plastic deformation are linked to supramolecular structure and density.

Conclusions:

• The developed FE method provides a powerful tool for predicting the behavior of thermosetting polymers and FRPs.
• This approach enables accurate performance assessment under diverse mechanical and thermal conditions.
• The study highlights the importance of supramolecular structure in determining material properties and long-term behavior.