"Computational Modeling of Natural Fiber Composites: Assessing the Accuracy of Coupled Simulation for Predicting Mechanical Properties"

Abstract

With the reduction of greenhouse gas emission and environmental responsibility factors being placed within engineering industries, the increased use of natural fiber composites (NFCs) over synthetic fibers, such as glass and carbon fibers is observed. One of the biggest difficulties resides within the exact understanding of the mechanical behavior of wood fibers (WFs) in these composites with fiber orientations. Herein, the study evaluates a composite methodology coupling injection molding simulation with finite element analysis through the use of fiber orientation tensor mapping for the analysis of wood fiber composites (WFCs). The method consists of tensile testing of specimens with different fiber orientations (0°, 45°, and 90°) and comparing them with numerical simulations. The major findings emphasize the anisotropy of WFCs, with 0° specimens showing mechanical behavior distinct to 45° and 90° specimens. The study further indicates the adequacy of the computational models, with experimental and simulation results matching well. This improved understanding of WFC mechanics will be invaluable in the structural integrity optimization of actual applications from a cost-effective and sustainable perspective. It is suggested that wood fibers may be of greater durability due to less fiber breakage than glass fibers.