Two-dimensional microstructure based modelling of Young's modulus of long fibre thermoplastic composite

The dependence of physical and mechanical properties on microstructure is well known. Various numerical and analytical methods are routinely employed to predict the properties of multiphase materials but these models make certain simplifying assumptions about the microstructure of the material, such as homogeneity, that are not accurate. In the present work, a microstructure based finite element code called object oriented finite element method (OOF) has been used to investigate the longitudinal elastic modulus of a long fibre reinforced thermoplastic (LFT) composite (glass fibre/polypropylene). The modulus value predicted by OOF was then compared with the experimental value and values predicted by various models. It is shown that by taking into account the important microstructural parameters in the composite, i.e. the actual fibre orientation and distribution, accurate prediction of modulus can be obtained.