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A multiscale and multiphysics numerical framework for modelling of hygrothermal ageing in laminated composites
Author(s) -
Rocha I. B. C. M.,
van der Meer F. P.,
Nijssen R. P. L.,
Sluys L. J.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
international journal for numerical methods in engineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.421
H-Index - 168
eISSN - 1097-0207
pISSN - 0029-5981
DOI - 10.1002/nme.5542
Subject(s) - multiphysics , materials science , representative elementary volume , composite material , epoxy , finite element method , work (physics) , diffusion , stress (linguistics) , micromechanics , composite number , structural engineering , microstructure , mechanical engineering , engineering , physics , linguistics , philosophy , thermodynamics
Summary In this work, a numerical framework for modelling of hygrothermal ageing in laminated composites is proposed. The model consists of a macroscopic diffusion analysis based on Fick's second law coupled with a multiscale FE 2 stress analysis in order to take microscopic degradation mechanisms into account. Macroscopic material points are modelled with a representative volume element with random fibre distribution. The resin is modelled as elasto‐plastic with damage, and cohesive elements are included at the fibre/matrix interfaces. The model formulations and the calibration of the epoxy model using experimental results are presented in detail. A study into the representative volume element size is conducted, and the framework is demonstrated by simulating the ageing process of a unidirectional specimen immersed in water. The influence of transient swelling stresses on microscopic failure is investigated, and failure envelopes of dry and saturated micromodels are compared. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.