Multiscale Modeling of Hybrid Composite Structures

A novel type of hybrid composite structure has been developed, experimentally investigated and used for many practical applications. The main supporting elements of composite structures are formed by the stamping process of partially cured and axially-oriented carbon fibre rods. This system can fill relatively thick parts of cross sections of beams without risk of delamination. Typical macroscopic sub-cells are formed in the transversal cross section of the part due to this technology. An advantage of this final 3D composite structure is its high shear strength and stiffness in comparison with thick unidirectional composite parts. To absorb the dynamic energy and increase the damping, a rubber-cork layer can be inserted during production, before the final pressing and curing of the whole part. The final stiffness property of the whole 3D composite is obtained from multiscale modeling. It is based on an averaging process and a homogenization technique in FEA. A parametric study was carried out to determine the influence of the size, orientation and thickness of the cell border winding layer on the components of the global elastic material matrix. A comparison of a numerical analysis prediction with experimental results shows acceptable agreement of the elastic modules. A mezzo scale model can be applied for designing a real part on a macro scale.