Modelling of polymeric fibre-composites and finite element simulation of mechanical properties

Polymer composites are formed as random or anisotropic fibre dispersions, sheets with long fibre felted or woven fabrics and laminates of such sheets. A thermoset polymer in liquid form is mixed with the fibres and then cured. Thermoplastics must be intermingled with the fabric and the matrix phase united by melting of the thermoplastic and compaction of the composition. The composite sheets are thermoformable by virtue of the thermoplastic matrix phase. These composites present many compositional, structural and processing variables that contribute to properties. These composites are less uniform than typical thermoset resin composites where fibres are wet with a liquid resin that is then solidified by chain extension and crosslinking. Typical characterisation and mechanical performance tests are available to investigate and optimise the composites. Finite element analysis (FEA) enables a theoretical approach to understanding of the structure-property relationships and confirmation of interpretation of measured properties. A displacement field is suited to identifying and quantifying stress intensities in local regions of the composite to determine parameters critical to the performance of the composites. This chapter reviews the application of FEA to various composite types, stress situations and failure mechanisms. The FEA model design and simulation method are evaluated and compared