Numerical investigation of fiber random distribution on the mechanical properties of yarn in-plain woven carbon fiber-reinforced composite based on a new perturbation algorithm

Interior fibers in yarns of plain woven carbon fiber-reinforced composite are distributed randomly, which further influences the mechanical properties of yarns. To explore the stochastic nature of fibers’ distribution in yarn and its effect on the properties of yarn, this study proposes a new perturbation algorithm named Sequential Random Perturbation algorithm to reconstruct the microstructure of randomly distributed fibers, based on which representative volume element micromechanical models consisting of three phases to accurately predict the mechanical properties of yarn are established. The algorithm is based on successive smart perturbations of fibers to gain microstructures of arbitrary volume fraction, and statistical study shows that the algorithm is in good agreement with experimental results. Finally, representative volume element models are simulated to predict the whole mechanical properties of composite yarns to reflect the failure mechanisms and microstructure–property relations. The randomness of fiber distribution has some degree of influence on mechanical properties of yarn, especially strength responses. The failures under axial tension and compression are dominated by fiber breakage, while under transverse and shear loading conditions, the failures are mostly decided by interface debonding and matrix damage.