A new algorithm to generate non-uniformly dispersed representative volume elements of composite materials with high volume fractions

In this work, a novel algorithm is proposed to generate three-dimensional random spatial distribution representative volume elements (RVEs) of composite materials. The approach is based on the bionic optimization technology of Cuckoo search algorithm. It addresses the problem of jamming limitation in the previous approaches and is able to generate nonuniformly dispersed microstructures with high fiber volume fractions and any specified inter-fiber distances. Statistical analysis is implemented to evaluate the nonuniform distributions of the generated RVEs and the results agree well with the experimental data in all statistical distributions. Furthermore, finite element method and volume homogenization are conducted to predict the elastic properties of the generated RVEs. The predictions are close to the experimental data in the literatures and the expected transversal isotropy in the 2-3 plane of the microstructures is confirmed. In addition, the effective elastic properties of glass/epoxy composites with fiber volume fractions of 30-70% are calculated by using the generated microstructures and compared with the theoretical models. The agreement of the numerical and analytical results provides further validation for the proposed algorithm to generate RVEs of composite materials. This method also can be easily used in the exploration of particle-reinforced composites.(c) 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).

Automated summary

This work proposes a novel algorithm based on the bionic optimization technology of Cuckoo search algorithm to generate three-dimensional random spatial distribution representative volume elements (RVEs) of composite materials. The algorithm overcomes the limitations of previous approaches and is capable of generating nonuniformly dispersed microstructures with high fiber volume fractions and specified inter-fiber distances. Statistical analysis is conducted to evaluate the generated RVEs, and the results are validated against experimental data. The algorithm is further validated through finite element method and volume homogenization to predict the elastic properties of the RVEs.