Assessment of embedded element technique in meso-FE modelling of fibre reinforced composites

The prevailing method in meso-finite element modelling of fibre reinforced composites is the continuous mesh (“full”) model in which the reinforcement and the matrix are assembled and meshed as one part. There are different difficulties in the full modelling; among others, poor mesh quality and high computational cost. The paper explores an alternative – the “embedded elements” (EE) technique for meso-FEM of fibre reinforced composites. To assess the capability of the EE method, different fibre configurations are considered and compared with the full model, ranging from a single fibre problem and unidirectional reinforcement to 5-harness satin composites. The results show that there is an agreement between the full and embedded element technique in prediction of the homogenized elastic properties, stress patterns, stress profiles, and maximum and minimum stress locations in the loaded unit cell.