Meso-scale modelling and failure analysis of kenaf fiber reinforced composites under high strain rate compression loading

Abstract

Abstract This paper presents a multi-scale structure finite element modelling scheme to analyse the damage behaviors of Kenaf fiber reinforced composite materials subjected to high strain rate compressions. The proposed modelling framework includes a micro-scale structure model with periodic boundary conditions for homogenizing the heterogeneous fiber/resin system into a unit cell, and a meso-scale model with established constitutive relationship for the constituents integrated with failure criterion to account for the stiffness degradation and subsequent element removal. The finite element results from the model provide the localities of stress propagation, the stress distribution, and the progressive failure behaviour within the Kenaf fiber reinforced composite materials. The results which are stress-strain behaviour and developed damages are found to be in fair agreement with the available test data.