Multiple cracking development in composites with heterogeneous reinforcement

miscellaneous

English

A model capable of capturing the effect of irregularly structured reinforcement in a brittle matrix is presented. It introduces a homogenization procedure for the state fields at the microscale in the vicinity of a crack bridge. In combination with a mesoscale model for matrix cracking the homogenized statefields are used for explicit calculation of the strain hardening response of the composite and crack width distribution in time. The model has been formulated for brittle matrix composites with reinforcement that exhibits random properties, e.g. due to random fiber orientation or because of an irregular penetration profie of the matrix into multifilament yarns. In the present paper we use the multifilament yarns applied in textile reinforced concrete (TRC) to demonstrate the capabilities of the model. To minimize environmental influences on the bearing elements of a composite, the crack widths of the protecting matrix cover has to be minimized or held within a threshold value. A study using the proposed model shows the connection between micromechanical material parameters of the composite constituents and the crack width distribution. Conclusions are also drawn about the evolution of cracks during the tensile loading process).

multiple cracking, composites, heterogeneous, reinforcement

RYPL, R.; CHUDOBA, R.; HEGGER, J.; VOŘECHOVSKÝ, M.

17. 9. 2012

Brussel, Belgie

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