Fiber packing and morphology driven moisture diffusion mechanics in reinforced composites

Fiber reinforced polymer composite (FRPC) materials are extensively used in lightweight applications due to their high specific strength and other favorable properties including enhanced endurance corrosion resistance. However, these inevitably exposed moisture, which is known drastically reduce mechanical caused by moisture absorption often accompanied with plasticization, weight gain, hygrothermal swelling, de-bonding between fiber matrix. Hence, it vital understand diffusion mechanics into FRPCs. The presence of fibers, especially impermeable like Carbon introduce tortuous pathways through In this paper, we elucidate the impact packing morphology on FRPC materials. Computational models developed within a finite element framework evaluate kinetics We tortuosity factor for measuring extent deviation reinforcements. Two-dimensional micromechanical analyzed varying volume fractions, spatial distributions influence internal architectures corresponding diffusivities. Finally, relationship diffusivity established such that can be calculated using given micro-architecture. Tortuosity easily architecture solving steady state governing equations, whereas time-dependent transient equations need solved calculating diffusivity. tortuosity, instead diffusivity, future composites designs, multi-scale analyses, optimization enabling robust structures environments.