Optimization of hybrid polymer composites under uniaxial traction

Fábio Monteiro Conde, Pedro Gonçalves Coelho, Rodrigo Paiva Tavares, Pedro Castro Camanho, José Miranda Guedes, Helder Carriço Rodrigues

Research output: Contribution to journalConference articlepeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)
57 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to achieve a “pseudo-ductile” behaviour in the response of hybrid fibre reinforced composites under uniaxial traction by solving properly formulated optimization problems. Design/methodology/approach: The composite material model is based on the combination of different types of fibres (with different failure strains or strengths) embedded in a polymer matrix. The composite failure under tensile load is predicted by analytical models. An optimization problem formulation is proposed and a Genetic Algorithm is used. Multi-objective optimization problems balancing failure strength and ductility criteria are solved providing optimal mixtures of fibres whose properties may come either from a pre-defined list of materials, currently available in the market, or simply assuming their continuum variation within predefined bounds, in an attempt to attain unprecedented performance levels. Findings: Optimal solutions of hybrid fibre reinforced composites exhibiting pseudo-ductile behaviour are presented. It is found that a fibre made from a material exhibiting relatively low stiffness combined with high strength is preferred for hybridization. Furthermore, the ratio of the average failure/critical strains between the low and high elongation fibres to be hybridized must be equal or greater than two. Originality/value: Typically, a ductile failure is an inherent property of metals, that is, their typical response curve after the linear (elastic) region exhibits a yielding plateau still followed by an increase in stress till collapse. In stark contrast, composite materials exhibit (under some loading conditions) brittle failure that may limit their widespread usage. Therefore, a “pseudo-ductility” in composites is valued and targeted through optimization which is the main original contribution here.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)904-931
Number of pages28
JournalEngineering Computations (Swansea, Wales)
Volume35
Issue number2(SI)
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2018
EventECCOMAS Thematic Conference on Computational Modelling of Multi-Uncertainty and Multi-Scale Problems - Porto, Portugal
Duration: 12 Sept 201714 Sept 2017

Keywords

  • Composites
  • Genetic algorithm
  • Hybridization
  • Multi-objective
  • Optimization
  • Pseudo-ductility

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