Efficient generator of random fiber distribution with diverse volume fractions by random fiber removal

In this paper, we propose a simple and efficient generator of random fiber distribution with diverse fiber volume fractions (V-f) for unidirectional composites by a random fiber removal technique. From the representative volume element (RVE) consisting of 100 fibers that have a maximum V-f of about 65% in this work, also termed the master model, we randomly eliminate fibers to match the predefined V-f ranging from 60%, 55%, 45%, 35%, 25%, 15%, and 5%, which are lower than that of the master model. Accordingly, 100 RVE samples for each V-f can be constructed in a straightforward manner. To demonstrate the performance of the proposed algorithm, its fiber locations are verified in terms of statistical spatial metrics, such as the nearest neighbor orientation, Ripley's K function, and pair distribution function. Furthermore, the elastic properties and the anisotropic ratios of the generated RVEs are investigated and compared to those of other random fiber generation algorithms.