Finite element simulation of fibre-reinforced polymers with realistic fibre orientation and fibre volume fraction distributions

We introduce a software package for finite element simulation of continuous fibre-reinforced polymers, based on microstructural field quantities derived from two- and three-dimensional images. Optical microscopy and X-ray computed micro-tomography are employed to capture the fibre distribution, from which fibre orientation and fibre volume fractions are extracted. Field quantities are incorporated into a static compression finite element model implemented in Abaqus TM . The approach enables the simulation of composites containing local imperfections. Results highlight that combined variations in fibre orientation and fibre volume fraction can induce stress and strain localisation, emphasising the importance of realistic fibre distributions when investigating material behaviour. • Finite element analysis of realistic, complex fibre structures and their effect on the stress–strain distribution in fibre-reinforced polymers. • Realistic fibre distributions represented by fibre orientations and fibre volume fractions based on 2D micrographs and 3D X-ray computed micro-tomography data. • Framework for investigating the effects of intrinsic material property variations based on realistic material structures. • The method provides a foundation for using different failure criteria to study meso-scale failure.