Multiscale Numerical Modeling of 2D C/C Composites Considering Pore Size Distribution

Abstract

This study proposes a multiscale numerical modeling procedure to evaluate the elastic properties of two-dimensional (2D) eight-harness satin woven carbon/carbon (C/C) composites. The multiscale modeling technique consists of analysis at the microlevel and mesolevel. In microscale analysis, a 3D representative volume element (RVE) of C/C composite with carbon fiber, pyrolytic carbon, and pores is considered. The microstructure of the C/C composite is analyzed using scanning electron microscope (SEM) images. Statistical characterization of pore distribution inside the C/C composite is performed, and different probability density functions are generated for pores’ number, area, and aspect ratio inside the C/C composite. Carbon fibers and pores are inserted in the 3D RVE using the RSA algorithm. The size and shape of the pores inserted in 3D RVE are based on the probability density functions generated. Effective elastic properties of C/C composite at the microscale are computed by finite element analysis (FE) based homogenization and taken as input for the next level of homogenization. The RVE at mesoscale is modeled using the information from SEM images, and FE-based homogenization is performed to compute the effective elastic properties of 8HS woven C/C composite. The effective elastic properties obtained from the numerical study are validated with the results of the uniaxial tensile test performed on 2D C/C composite. The effect of fiber volume fraction, yarn volume fraction, and porosity on elastic properties of 2D 8HS woven C/C composite are also assessed and presented in this study.