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Towards Sustainable Composite Structures: Experimental Characterisation and Damage Modelling of Unidirectional Flax
Martin Stejskal1, Frantisek Sedlacek1, Ondrej Spacek1
1Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of West Bohemia, Univerzitni 2732/8, 301 00 Pilsen, Czech Republic.
This study applies continuum damage mechanics (CDM) to flax fibre-reinforced polymers (FFRPs), creating accurate models for predicting damage in sustainable composites. This enables better virtual prototyping for eco-friendly structural applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Mechanical Engineering
- Sustainable Engineering
Background:
- Growing demand for sustainable engineering solutions.
- Natural fibre-reinforced composites (NFCs), specifically flax fibre-reinforced polymers (FFRPs), are eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic composites.
- Need for predictive models for progressive intralaminar damage in FFRPs for structural applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To apply continuum damage mechanics (CDM) methodology to unidirectional (UD) FFRPs.
- To address critical gaps in predictive modelling of progressive intralaminar damage.
- To support sustainable structural applications through validated modelling.
Main Methods:
- Systematic experimental characterisation to identify material parameters for natural fibres.
- Calibration of a CDM model using quasi-static testing on multiple laminate configurations.
- Validation of the CDM model through finite element analysis (FEA) in Siemens Simcenter Samcef.
Main Results:
- The CDM model accurately captures nonlinear behaviour and damage mechanisms in notched flax-epoxy laminates.
- Achieved prediction accuracies of 97.61% (force-displacement) and 88.98% (open-hole tensile tests).
- Demonstrated robust virtual prototyping capabilities for sustainable composite structures.
Conclusions:
- Validated damage modelling methodologies for eco-friendly NFCs.
- Facilitates design optimisation and lifecycle assessment for sustainable composites.
- Supports accelerated adoption of FFRPs in automotive, marine, and construction sectors.
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