A new approach to rapidly generate random periodic representative volume elements for microstructural assessment of high volume fraction composites

Abstract

An algorithm based on event-driven molecular dynamics theory was developed to rapidly generate periodic representative volume elements (RVEs) with nonuniform distributions for both unidirectional fiber-reinforced and spherical particle-reinforced composites. Detailed statistical analyses were conducted for assessing the ability to generate RVEs with nonuniformly dispersed microstructures and either constant or random inclusion sizes for a wide range of volume fractions.The generated microstructures were directly compared with available microstructural optical images of a composite material, showing excellent statistical correlation and providing validation for the developed RVE generation approach. For further validation, finite element analysis was conducted using the generated RVEs in order to evaluate volume averaged elastic constants. The expected isotropic characteristics of the RVEs were correctly calculated, and excellent correlations with experimental data from the literature provided additional support for the algorithm accuracy. The versatile algorithm can rapidly generate RVEs with realistic reinforcement dispersions and high volume fractions up to 80%, which is advantageous compared to other algorithms. The proposed algorithm can be used as a design tool to accurately evaluate and tailor the mechanical properties of distinct composite material systems, and for their microstructural assessment including local damage predictions.

Multiscale simulation and theoretical prediction for the elastic properties of unidirectional fiber‐reinforced polymer containing random void defects

“…Many studies [27][28][29][30] have simplified the fiber distribution into a periodic array of shapes, including rectangular, cylindrical, diamond, and hexagonal models. However, experimental studies [31][32][33] have found that fiber distribution does not always follow a perfectly uniform distribution. Therefore, in this paper, ABAQUS-PYTHON scripting is used to generate an RVE model in which the fibers and voids are randomly distributed in the matrix.…”

Experimental and multi‐scale finite element modeling for evaluating healing efficiency of electro‐sprayed microcapsule based glass fiber‐reinforced polymer composites

“…Gaussian distribution of any random algorithm gives valuable information about the possibility and accuracy of the algorithm. [ 20 ] According to Figure 10, Gaussian fit curves for center coordinates in 3D signify the reliability of the generated RVE.…”

“…However, continuum approaches are more popular than MD simulations due to the high computational costs and complexity of MD methods. [18] To simulate three-dimensional micromechanical models in the finite element (FE) commercial software, extensive studies have been conducted to assess elastic properties of composites with a random distribution of fibers [19][20][21][22] or nanoparticles. [23] In this regard, several random geometry generation and distribution algorithms have been introduced by the scientific community in order to enhance the accuracy of analysis.…”

Identification of Representative Equivalent Volumes on the Microstructure of 3D-Printed Fiber-Reinforced Thermoplastics Based on Statistical Characterization

“…To improve the prediction of the mechanical behavior of heterogeneous materials, recent studies have presented methodologies to create sub-volumes with random microstructures which attempt to capture the effects of fiber arrangement on the homogenized properties, and also on the distribution of the stresses at microscopic level [ 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 ]. These approaches are very interesting from the point of view of more realistic representations when compared to classical periodic fiber arrangement.…”