Development of a three-dimensional finite element model for a unidirectional carbon fiber reinforced plastic based on X-ray computed tomography images and the numerical simulation on compression

A unidirectional carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) was scanned by an X-ray computed tomography (CT) system. Based on the X-ray CT images, a three-dimensional model with random fiber waviness was developed. Each fiber location was identified in a sectional CT image. Subsequently, the relative displacement of fibers between adjacent sectional CT images was obtained with a digital image correlation method. This procedure was repeated to obtain fiber waviness along the axial direction. The constructed three-dimensional fiber model showed random waviness of each fiber in the unidirectional CFRP. Finite element analysis was performed using the three-dimensional model. Simulation results showed bending and twisting deformations coupled with axial contractions during axial compression, which developed due to fiber waviness. A reduction of the fiber directional Young’s modulus due to fiber random waviness was quantitatively evaluated.