Modeling tensile response of fiber‐reinforced polymer composites using discrete element method

An advanced discrete element method (DEM), coupled with imaging techniques, of the tensile response of carbon fiber‐reinforced composite materials is presented in this article. DEM was developed using the image‐based shape structural model to determine the composites' elastic modulus, stress–strain response, and tensile strength. The developed model utilizes the microfabric micromechanical discrete element modeling technique. Clusters of very small bonded discrete elements were used to model the two composite constituents (matrix and reinforcement). The microparameters of each discrete element were determined from the macrocharacteristics of each constituent. The results from the developed model were compared with the results from an experimental case study. The results obtained from DEM simulations are within the coefficient of variation of the experimental values. The comparison indicates that the image‐based DEM micromechanical model accurately determines the elastic modulus and tensile strength of the molded carbon fiber‐reinforced polymer composite. POLYM. COMPOS., 34:877–886, 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers