Reconstructed X-ray CT image of a GF/PA6 injection molded composite plate
In addition to strength and stiffness, easy-shaping ability into complex shapes is required for application of composites to general machines. For this reason, research and development of composites reinforced with discontinuous fibers is underway worldwide. Mechanical properties of these materials strongly depend on the microscopic structure in the material such as fiber length and orientation. Therefore, by modeling the complex microscopic structure and considering damage progression process, we are developing technology to analytically predict important mechanical properties such as macroscopic stiffness and strength.
In addition, we have tried to predict the macroscopic mechanical properties of CFRP laminates having initial fiber cracks (slits) and CFRP foam core sandwich panel by modeling complex microscopic structures.
Related publications
- Shigeki Yashiro, Tatsuya Okuda, Keiji Ogi, Masaaki Nishikawa, Hiroto Nagai. Simple approach for modeling unidirectionally arrayed chopped strand laminates via the extended finite-element method. Composite Structures, Vol. 229, 111457 (2019).