Through process modeling approach: Effect of microstructure on mechanical properties of fiber reinforced composites

Abstract

In this work, A Through Process Modelling (TPM) methodology suitable for coupling the microstructure and the elastic properties of composites considering plastic injection molding process is presented. The key tasks discussed in this study are: (1) simulation of the whole manufacturing process in order to get the fiber orientation distribution (FOD) at each point of the part, (2) estimation of local effective properties using the orientation tensor obtained by performing a two-step homogenization and (3) Prediction of macroscopic mechanical response as a function of a local anisotropy using a mean-field homogenization technique which is based on assumed relationships between average values of strain and stress fields in each phase. The scheme suggested allows, to analyze the influence of processing conditions on elastic properties of composites. By changing these conditions, for example, the injection mode (central or linear), the cavity thickness, the fiber volume fraction, the microstructure and hence the local elastic properties of the material can be tailored. Thus, for desired structural response of composites, the optimum filling parameters can be chosen even at the stage of design.