Experimental and Computational Investigation into the Use of Discontinuous Fiber Composites to Manufacture a Bracket

Abstract

In this study, Discontinuous Fiber Composites (DFCs) are used to manufacture a bracket with two platelet sizes, a narrow and square platelet. X-ray CT scans were performed in order to obtain the exact mesostructure of the bracket. From this, areas of low and high flow of platelets are observed and the effects of this are studied. The exact orientations are obtained and mapped onto a digital twin of the bracket for Finite Element (FE) simulations. The model is validated against uniaxial tension experiments. The FE model can precisely predict the apparent stiffness, strength, and match the failure locations seen in experiments. By making a one-to-one copy of the brackets, a better understanding of the failure mechanisms of complex DFC systems can be obtained.