A study by a genetic algorithm for optimizing the arrangement of the fibers on the damage to the fiber–matrix interface of a composite material

A two-scale approach for numerical determination of composite material constants using a finite element model is developed. A representative volume element is numerically generated using a modified sequential adsorption algorithm. To determine the strength of the composite material, progressive material degradation models are adopted for the matrix, fiber and the fiber/matrix interface. The epoxy resin is modeled with a modified von Mises criterion in which the effect of hydrostatic stress on yield is accounted for. The resin’s elastic constants degrade with increasing loading application. The glass fiber is modeled as an isotropic material whose failure is governed by the maximum strain criterion. A traction-separation type cohesive zone model is applied at the fiber/matrix interface. Validation of the presented model is achieved by comparing numerical simulations with experimental data. The effective material constants that have been homogenized by the numerical test approach can be applied for future structural analysis.

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Using Genetic Algorithm for Investigating the Performance of Carbon-Basalt / Polyester Hybrids Composite Materials

Current Materials Science ◽

10.2174/2666145413999201124224238 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 13 ◽

Author(s):

Mohammed Belkheir ◽

Bendouma Doumi ◽

Allel Mokaddem ◽

Ahmed Boutaous

Keyword(s):

Genetic Algorithm ◽

Composite Materials ◽

Cox Model ◽

Probabilistic Approach ◽

Matrix Interface ◽

Interface Shear ◽

Polyester Composite ◽

Fiber Matrix Interface ◽

Fiber Matrix ◽

Hybrid Carbon

Background:: The composite materials are more efficient and more resistant compared to so-called traditional materials. The application of continuous and variable forces modifies the properties of the materials, and generates the formation of cracks which lead to the rupture of structures. Objective:: The objective of this work is to study the reliability and the origin of the resistance of each fiber-matrix interface of the two hybrid composite materials studied. Methods:: In this study, the genetic algorithm is based on Weibull's probabilistic approach to calculate the damage to the interface and also on the Cox model to find and initialize the different values used in simulation model. Results:: The results obtained, by genetic modeling, have showed that the hybrid Carbon High Modulus (HM) / Basalt / Polyester composite is the most resistant to the mechanical stresses applied comparing with that of Carbon High Strength (HS) / Basalt / Polyester, these results were confirmed by the level of damage to the interface found for the two materials studied, and that the interface shear damage of the hybrid Carbon HM / Basalt / Polyester composite is much lower by 13% compared to that of Carbon HS / Basalt / Polyester. Conclusion:: The calculations are in good agreement with the analytical results of Cox, where he demonstrated that the Young's modulus of the fibers has an important influence on the shear strength of the fiber / matrix interface of composite materials.

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