Comparison between direct numerical simulation and homogenization of continuous fiber reinforced woven composites

An innovative type of carbon reinforced beams have been developed recently in which the flange and web are connected by continuous fibers. The yarns in the web are weaved into the thickness direction of the flange. Mechanical experiments in have shown that the specific energy absorption is twice higher than for a steel beam. In order to understand these promising experimental results, numerical simulations of such composite structure can be of assistance. Since the geometry of the model is complex, the ideal method is to use computational homogenization to reduce time. In this contribution, we will look at a part of the beam i.e. the junction of the beam where a continuous yarn is weaved from web through the flange. Using the algorithm of Wintiba et. al. a geometry and a finite element mesh of this junction is generated. Both direct numeral simulation (DNS) and simulation with homogenized material properties will be performed and the results will be compared to investigate under which condition the homogenization is valid.