A robust empirical model equation for the compaction response of textile reinforcements

Abstract In this study, the empirical modeling of the compaction response of different fibrous reinforcements with a focus on natural fiber‐based textiles is investigated. The main objective is the improvement of an empirical modeling approach in terms of a constant high accuracy for different compaction behaviors and varying test conditions. Therefore, a new two‐parameter model function is derived based on the characteristics of the compaction work progression. Five different plant fiber textiles (flax and hemp) with different fiber architectures (nonwoven, woven, and unidirectional noncrimp fabric) and a woven glass fiber reinforcement are tested within compaction experiments, considering the variation of the stack height, the compaction rate and repetitive load‐unload cycles. The new empirical model shows an overall better accuracy with smaller deviations in quality compared to alternative, commonly used empirical model functions based on the power and exponential law, which are considered for comparison purposes.