Modelling method based on idealised fibre bundles

Abstract

In the fibrous structures such as textiles and composites there are fibre assemblies exhibiting statistical bundle like behaviour. This paper presents a modelling method and software FibreSpace, based on a system of structuralised statistical fibre bundles, so called fibre bundle cells. These fibre bundle cells introduced before represent different idealised and typified fibre properties such as fibre shape, state of deformation, gripping as a connection with the vicinity, and the characteristic of force-transmitting and damage. With the help of the weighted parallel connection of the fibre bundle cells the mechanical behaviour and the damage process of real fibrous systems can be modelled as well as some structural properties or the strength data of single fibres can be determined by a fibre bundle cells model identified on the basis of measurements. The applicability of the fibre bundle cells method and modelling program developed is demonstrated by modelling the load and damage process of real textile structures and unidirectional composites during tensile or flexural test.