We report detailed theoretical investigations of the micromechanics and bulk elastic properties of composites consisting of randomly distributed stiff fibers embedded in an elastic matrix in two and three dimensions. Recent experiments [V. Pelletier, N. Gal, P. Fournier, and M. L. Kilfoil, Phys. Rev. Lett. 102, 188303 (2009)] have suggested that the inclusion of stiff microtubules in a softer, ...

Abstract Architected piezoelectric composites (PCs) have recently gained interest in designing transducers and nondestructive testing devices. The current analytical modeling approach cannot be readily applied to design architected periodic PCs exhibiting elastic anisotropy activity. This study presents a micromechanical (MM)-model based finite element (FE) framework predict the electromechanic...

A three-dimensional micromechanics framework is developed to estimate the mode I through-thickness intralaminar crack resistance curve of unidirectional carbon fibre-reinforced polymers. Finite element models geometrically-scaled single edge notch tension specimens were generated. These modelled following a combined micro-/meso-scale approach, where region at vicinity tip describes microstructu...

In this study, the fracture micromechanics of Haversian cortical bone has been considered. To this effect, a two-dimensional micromechanical fibre-ceramic matrix composite tissue materials model has been presented. The interstitial tissue was modeled as a matrix and the osteon was modeled as a fibre, followed by the application of linear elastic fracture mechanics theory. The solution for edge ...

A mesh objective crack band model was implemented within the generalized method of cells micromechanics theory. This model was linked to a macroscale finite element model to predict post-peak strain softening in composite materials. Although a mesh objective theory was implemented at the microscale, it does not preclude pathological mesh dependence at the macroscale. To ensure mesh objectivity ...

The ear detects sounds so faint that they produce only atomic-scale displacements in the mechanoelectrical transducer, yet thermal noise causes fluctuations larger by an order of magnitude. Explaining how hearing can operate when the magnitude of the noise greatly exceeds that of the signal requires an understanding both of the transducer's micromechanics and of the associated noise. Using micr...

Aalto University, P.O. Box 11000, FI-00076 Aalto www.aalto.fi Author Mindaugas Bulota Name of the doctoral dissertation Deformation and fracture mechanisms in nanocellulose reinforced composites Publisher School of Chemical Technology Unit Department of Forest Products Technology Series Aalto University publication series DOCTORAL DISSERTATIONS 109/2012 Field of research Wood Material Technolog...

Initial development of a multiscale progressive damage and failure analysis tool for laminated composite structures is presented. The method models microdamage at the lamina level with the thermodynamically based Schapery Theory. Transverse cracking and ber breakage, considered failure mechanisms in this work, are modeled with failure criteria evaluate at the micro-constituent level using the G...

This article provides a brief overview of several classes of fiber reinforced cement based composites and suggests future directions in FRC development. Special focus is placed on micromechanics based design methodology of strain-hardening cement based composites. As example, a particular engineered cementitious composite newly developed at the ACE-MRL at the University of Michigan is described...