Simulating real FRP microstructures under longitudinal compression: realistic fibre content, kinking–torsion metrics, and enhanced computational efficiency
File(s)
Published version
Author(s)
Bikos, D
Trask, RS
Robinson, P
Pimenta, S
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Local imperfections in microstructures are a key factor influencing the compressive performance of fibre-reinforced polymer composites (FRPs); this can be investigated through micromechanical finite element (μFE) simulations of representative volume elements (RVEs) reconstructed from computed tomography of real FRP microstructures. This is the first paper that identifies and addresses three key open challenges in μFE simulations of real FRPs under longitudinal compression: firstly, we introduce a new method for generating continuum μFE models of RVEs with high fibre content (up to 55%) and without unrealistic resin-rich boundaries or fibre interpenetration. Secondly, we propose new microstructural metrics to characterise misalignment and twisting, novel deformation metrics to quantify kinking and torsion during compression, and we analyse their relationships. Thirdly, we validate our recently proposed, computationally efficient, shell-beam (SB) methodology at the microstructural level. The results highlight the importance of simulating FRP microstructures with a realistic fibre content and microstructural twist and demonstrate the very good predictive performance of SB models.
Date Issued
2026-04-01
Date Acceptance
2025-12-13
Citation
Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing, 2026, 203
ISSN
1359-835X
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Journal / Book Title
Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing
Volume
203
Copyright Statement
© 2025 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd
License URL
Identifier
10.1016/j.compositesa.2025.109515
Publication Status
Published
Article Number
109515
Date Publish Online
2025-12-17