Multiscale modelling of failure in thin-ply textile composites using Isogeometric Analysis

Research Project, 2019 – 2022

Composites reinforced with layers of thin, woven fibre bundles have advantages in manufacturing and design over conventional multilayered composites with unidirectional fibres. They also have superior strength under several loading conditions. However, at the expense of high strength they are also brittle. In addition, the sequence of failure mechanisms is not yet fully understood as robust models for simulating these failure processes are lacking. In this proposal, we will develop a computational multiscale framework that can predict the initiation and mesoscale evolution of relevant failure mechanisms. We will first establish a macroscale shell formulation based on Isogeometric Analsysis that can be adaptively refined through the thickness in critical areas where a more detailed kinematical representation is needed to accurately study the damage evolution. Secondly, we will develop a representative model for the mesoscale accounting for progressive failure in the mesoscale constituents and their interfaces. Mesostructural information obtained by CT scans will be translated directly into a numerical model using the recently proposed Finite Cell Method. Thirdly, we will device the pertinent two-way coupling conditions between the macroscale and the mesoscale models. These are necessary for detailing how the macroscale shell deformation state drives the mesoscale deformations and to properly homogenise section forces to be fed back to the macroscale shell problem.