Numerical predictions of compression failure of unidirectional pultruded carbon fiber profiles using in-situ X-ray CT-based fiber orientation data
Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Abstract: Preprint AbstractDespite their excellent tensile performance, in compression unidirectional pultruded carbon composites are highly sensitive to fiber orientation variations. Therefore, it is important to have accurate numerical prediction of the compressive response, accounting for real fiber orientation distributions. Here, in situ X-ray computed tomography (CT) was performed on notched carbon-pultruded samples. Compressive testing was paused at predetermined load levels to capture the evolution of compression using X-ray CT. Post-compression X-ray CT data identified the kink band plane. The pre-compression CT data for this plane were then used to extract the fiber orientation along the full length of the notch using structure tensor analysis. The fiber orientation was mapped onto a two-dimensional finite element model. Different orientation planes were investigated to predict the kink band formation plane. The model simulates the compression of notched samples using a mesh-objective, material-homogenized formulation, in which the fiber and matrix are treated as distinct constituents, with the fiber diameter serving as the length scale. The results include compressive strength, kink band initiation, and development. The results show an influence of fiber orientation on the predicted compressive strength by studying different orientation planes within the same sample, while highlighting the need for a three-dimensional model to achieve accurate predictions.
Institutions: Technical University of Denmark, University of Manchester
Language: English
Subfield: Mechanics of Materials
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7214925397