Fracture of fiber-reinforced cement composites: Effects of fiber dispersion (Q841932)

The paper presents a computational approach for studying the effects of fiber dispersion on fiber-reinforced cement composites with attention to the effects of non-uniform fiber distributions. A lattice-type model, topology of which is based on the Voronoi-Delaunay tessellation (VDT), represents both the elasticity/cracking of the matrix phase and the fiber inclusions. A distinguishing feature of the model is an explicit representation of the pre- and post-cracking contributions of individual fibers within the material domain in a manner that resembles the workings of fiber bundle models. The lattice model quantitatively links fiber-local properties (e.g., interfacial bond strength) to structural performance measures such as stiffness, strength, and toughness. First, the lattice models of cement-based matrix and fiber inclusions are formulated. The matrix phase of the fiber-reinforced material assumed by homogeneous is modeled as a rigid-body-spring network in the framework of VDT model. The model includes a fracture criterion and takes into account a modification of stiffness properties during computational cycle. The proposed approach provides (for predominantly mode I openings) energy conserving, grid insensitive representations of cracking for arbitrary crack trajectories within the irregular lattice. Fibers are placed in the material volume using a pseudo-random number generator without regard for the geometry of the lattice representing the matrix phase. A lattice element is constructed when a fiber intersects a Voronoi facet. Results for composite elastic modulus, post-cracking strength, and the general form of the softening response are validated through comparisons with theory. Since fiber pullout behavior is based on that of individual fibers, only dilute systems are considered. It is shown that identical models, differing only in the random realizations of their fiber contents, provide various crack locations and post-cracking strengths. Finally, increasing the degree of non-uniformity of the fiber distribution leads to an overall reduction and broadening of the distribution of strengths obtained from otherwise identical models.