Modeling microscale defects in CFRP composites: An FEA approach
Aashitha PAMARTHI, Sunil Reddy GUNTAKA, Prakash Babu KANAKAVALLI
Abstract. In the realm of fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) composites, the presence of micro-level defects represents a critical consideration influencing their structural integrity and performance over time. These defects encompass a range of imperfections occurring at the microscopic scale within the composite material. This study delves into the micromechanical analysis of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) composites, focusing on the presence of micro-level defects. Utilizing hexagonal unit cells as an idealized representation, the study aims to simulate the micromechanical behavior of a single unit cell using the three-dimensional finite element method within ANSYS software. The primary objective is to predict Young’s moduli and Poisson’s ratios along principal material directions. The accuracy of the finite element solution for the longitudinal modulus is validated through the rule of mixtures, while other properties are confirmed using the Maxwell–Betti reciprocal theorem. Additionally, variations in Young’s moduli and Poisson’s ratios attributed to internal failures of the composite, such as debonding and cracks, are thoroughly investigated across a range of expected carbon fiber volume fractions spanning from 10% to 70%. The debond between fibre and matrix significantly influences the in-plane transverse Young’s modulus (E2), making it the most affected property, followed by the out-of-plane transverse Young’s modulus (E3), in composite. In the presence of a crack perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the longitudinal Young’s modulus (E1) emerges as the most affected property in composite materials.
Keywords
FRP, Micromechanics, FEA, Debond
Published online 3/1/2025, 10 pages
Copyright © 2025 by the author(s)
Published under license by Materials Research Forum LLC., Millersville PA, USA
Citation: Aashitha PAMARTHI, Sunil Reddy GUNTAKA, Prakash Babu KANAKAVALLI, Modeling microscale defects in CFRP composites: An FEA approach, Materials Research Proceedings, Vol. 49, pp 529-538, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21741/9781644903438-53
The article was published as article 53 of the book Mechanical Engineering for Sustainable Development
Content from this work may be used under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 license. Any further distribution of this work must maintain attribution to the author(s) and the title of the work, journal citation and DOI.
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