Optimization of hybrid polymer composites under uniaxial traction

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2018

Authors

Fábio Monteiro Conde (Author) Other; Pedro Gonçalves Coelho (Author) Other; Rodrigo Paiva Tavares (Author) Other; Pedro Castro Camanho (Author) FEUP; José Miranda Guedes (Author) Other; Helder Carriço Rodrigues (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Engineering Computations

Vol. 35 No. 2

Pages: 904-931

ISSN: 0264-4401

Publisher: Emerald

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 0 Citations

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INSPEC

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00N-YFM

DOI: 10.1108/ec-11-2017-0427

Abstract (EN): 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.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 28