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FE Modeling for innovative micro-mechanical characterization
The goal of this project is to carry out FE models to determine failure mechanisms on the microscale and correlate with innovative micro-mechanical tests.
Keywords: FEM simulations
Micro-Mechanics
Composite materials
Interface properties
The production of high-performing thermoplastic composite hinges on the stress transfer capability from matrix to fibre, and this happens through the interface. In order to isolate the mechanical properties of the interface, standardised mechanical tests on bulk specimens capture failure mechanisms which are an ensemble of damage events and are affected by different factors, including part manufacturing, too. To better understand interface properties, micromechanical tests, carried out on a single fibre, are more representative and allow for a better isolation of the local phenomenon. Though, these tests are not standardised and are mainly based on complicated sample preparation and testing set-ups. Moreover, due to geometrical limitations, most micromechanical tests are carried out under shear (mode II fracture). This, complicates even further the tests, since achieving interface failure in shear is more difficult than, for example, opening mode I. In CMASLab we are having research activities that relate advanced manufacturing and processing techniques to highly durable composites.
The production of high-performing thermoplastic composite hinges on the stress transfer capability from matrix to fibre, and this happens through the interface. In order to isolate the mechanical properties of the interface, standardised mechanical tests on bulk specimens capture failure mechanisms which are an ensemble of damage events and are affected by different factors, including part manufacturing, too. To better understand interface properties, micromechanical tests, carried out on a single fibre, are more representative and allow for a better isolation of the local phenomenon. Though, these tests are not standardised and are mainly based on complicated sample preparation and testing set-ups. Moreover, due to geometrical limitations, most micromechanical tests are carried out under shear (mode II fracture). This, complicates even further the tests, since achieving interface failure in shear is more difficult than, for example, opening mode I. In CMASLab we are having research activities that relate advanced manufacturing and processing techniques to highly durable composites.
The goal of this project is to develop a computational model that will allow better understanding and eventually depict the failure mechanisms in micromechanical tests, with the aim of isolating interfacial properties.
This will be done for glass fibre thermoplastic composites.
First, simulations on a state of the art geometry will be carried out (push-out test). Then,
parametric studies and optimizations, with the considered polymer matrix, will be done to identify and propose a micro-mechanical testing setting that will allow the evaluation of interface strength in mode I and mode II conditions.
The goal of this project is to develop a computational model that will allow better understanding and eventually depict the failure mechanisms in micromechanical tests, with the aim of isolating interfacial properties. This will be done for glass fibre thermoplastic composites. First, simulations on a state of the art geometry will be carried out (push-out test). Then, parametric studies and optimizations, with the considered polymer matrix, will be done to identify and propose a micro-mechanical testing setting that will allow the evaluation of interface strength in mode I and mode II conditions.
Dr. Georgios Pappas, gpappas@ethz.ch
Oliver Vetterli, oliverve@ethz.ch
Dr. Georgios Pappas, gpappas@ethz.ch Oliver Vetterli, oliverve@ethz.ch