Multi-scale computational homogenisation to predict the long-term durability of composite structures
Journal article, 2017

A coupled hygro-thermo-mechanical computational model is proposed for fibre reinforced polymers, formulated within the framework of Computational Homogenisation (CH). At each macrostructure Gauss point, constitutive matrices for thermal, moisture transport and mechanical responses are calculated from CH of the underlying representative volume element (RVE). A degradation model, developed from experimental data relating evolution of mechanical properties over time for a given exposure temperature and moisture concentration is also developed and incorporated in the proposed computational model. A unified approach is used to impose the RVE boundary conditions, which allows convenient switching between linear Dirichlet, uniform Neumann and periodic boundary conditions. A plain weave textile composite RVE consisting of yarns embedded in a matrix is considered in this case. Matrix and yarns are considered as isotropic and transversely isotropic materials respectively. Furthermore, the computational framework utilises hierarchic basis functions and designed to take advantage of distributed memory high performance computing.

Hierarchic basis functions

Hygro-thermo-mechanical analysis

Textile composites

Degradation model

Fibre reinforced polymer

Multi-scale computational homogenisation

Author

Z. Ullah

University of Glasgow

L. Kaczmarczyk

University of Glasgow

Sotirios Grammatikos

Chalmers, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Building Technology

M. Evernden

University of Bath

BRE Centre for Innovative Construction Materials

C. J. Pearce

University of Glasgow

Computers and Structures

0045-7949 (ISSN)

Vol. 181 21-31

Subject Categories

Mechanical Engineering

Driving Forces

Sustainable development

Roots

Basic sciences

DOI

10.1016/j.compstruc.2016.11.002

More information

Latest update

2/28/2018