Three-dimensional analysis using probabilistic multiscale approaches for predicting macroscopic mechanical behaviours and failure strength in unidirectional carbon fibre-reinforced epoxy composites

Abstract : In this study, we aim to demonstrate how to predict macroscopic mechanical behaviours and also failure strengths of unidirectional composite by taking into account material’s variations (distribution of fibre strength and variation of volume fraction) based on a probabilistic multiscale approach. Tensile test has been carried out on a number of composite specimens as a validation result. The strength distribution along fibres estimates through the single fibre test. Image analysis and pyrolysis method have been used to estimate the local and global variations of volume fraction in composite material. Then, finite element analysis with appropriate statistical probability has been performed by introducing physical phenomena. The scale effect has been expected. A good agreement between the numerical predictions and the experimental results has been observed.