On the optimum RVE size of the aligned-short fiber composites with random distribution

To model short fiber-reinforced composites on the micro-scale, the cost of calculations is one of theessential limitations. Therefore, many researchers prefer to use representative volume elements (RVEs) in theirmodeling. This RVE must have the same mechanical properties as the original composites on a macro scale. It is clearthat the biggest RVE is physically closer to real conditions, but it encounters a huge amount of numerical calculations.The primary purpose of this research is to find the best dimensions of the RVE of short fiber-reinforced composites byusing the finite element simulation. In this regard, several RVEs, including some aligned short fibers with randomdistribution in a polymer matrix have been constructed. In these models, the effects of some parameters such as theaspect ratio of RVE, and volume fraction of the short fibers on the elastic modulus of the composite were studied tofind the optimum size of RVE.

Keywords:

Representative volume element , Elastic modulus , Random aligned short fibers , Finite element method