On the effective elastic properties based on mean-field homogenization of sheet molding compound composites

Fiber reinforced polymers, for example sheet molding compounds (SMC), have gained significant importance as lightweight materials. In this work, a SMC composite based on unsaturated polyester-polyurethane hybrid resin (UPPH) with discontinuous long glass fibers is considered. The mechanical behavior of highly governed by its microstructure. Based samples extracted from compression molded sheets, the underlying microstructure characterized means X-ray computed tomography (µCT) scans. Tensile tests are performed to investigate and characterize elastic properties composite. A mean-field method presented approximate effective behavior. context, tensile serve validation data simulation results. Young’s modulus in good agreement experimentally obtained deviation less than 15%.