Numerical Finite Element Method Homogenization of Composite Materials Reinforced With Fibers

Abstract

The paper presents the micromechanical modelling of fiber-reinforced composites in order to determine elastic properties of the homogenized material. For this purpose implementation of homogenization theory was required and analyses were performed. The polymer matrix of three-dimensional representative volume element (RVE) of the composites is modelled by the finite element method (FEM). Software for homogenization of material properties uses direct homogenization method which is based on volume average of stresses in the RVE. Homogenization of composite plate is performed by linking MATLAB and ANSYS software. Calculated elastic properties of the homogenized material are given for epoxy matrix reinforced with carbon, fiberglass and kevlar fiber material.