Influence of Composite Microstructure on Apparent Fiber Properties
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Random and hexagonal microstructural models were used to predict graphite fiber T650-35 properties. An inverse method was employed using unidirectional T650-35/PMR-15 lamina properties and PMR-15 epoxy properties taken from literature. Properties predicted using finite element analysis (FEA) based on a hexagonal microstructure, FEA based on a random microstructure, and Mori-Tanaka averaging scheme were compared. It was shown that the predicted fiber properties were highly dependent on the distance between fibers within the microstructure. The Mori-Tanaka averaging scheme and FEA based on a hexagonal microstructure predicted almost the same fiber properties. The results indicate that fiber properties used in an analysis should be derived using a consistent microscale model. The sensitivity of predicted fiber properties to the input parameters, as well as the corresponding uncertainties, were quantified and shown to also be very sensitive to the assumed microstructure.
