Finite element modelling of mechanical properties of polymer composites

Polymeric composites are used widely in modern industry. The prediction of mechanical behaviour of these material under different loadings is therefore of vital importance in many applications. Mathematical modelling offers a robust and cost effective method to satisfy this objective. In this project a comprehensive finite element model for particulate and fibre reinforced composites is developed. The most significant features of this model are: The inclusion of slip boundary conditions: The inclusion of flux terms across the inter-phase boundaries to take the discontinuity of the material properties into account in the model: The use of penalty method in conjunction with Stokes flow equations which allow the application of the developed model to solid elasticity analysis as well as creeping viscous flows. The predictions of this model are compared with available theoretical models and experimental data. These comparisons show that the developed model yields accurate and reliable data for composite deformation.