A virtual experimental approach to estimate composite mechanical properties: Modeling with an explicit finite element method

A new virtual experimental approach to estimate the effective transverse properties of fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) is introduced. An explicit finite element method (FEM) is used to perform the composite progressive damage analysis, which successfully overcomes the numerical convergence problem that is encountered during continuous stiffness degradation. The virtual experiment includes four steps: first, generating a real microstructure; second, determining the composite constituent properties; third, progressive damage analysis; and fourth, comparing the results with those from an actual macro experiment. After completing these four steps, an accurate stress–strain curve under a transverse load is obtained. Then, we use this virtual experimental method to analyze the influence of micro parameters, such as interphase strength and residual thermal stress, on FRC macro performance. This virtual experiment method can be used for any composites and can provide more detailed material information than actual experiments as well as a direct reference for composite optimum design.