Simulation of Fiber Composites: An Assessment

Abstract

Two facts are the main drivers for a steady rise of models simulating fiber composites: an increasing demand on optimal utilization of the material and a drastic improvement in computational power. Though this process is still in full swing a review is considered reasonable since it facilitates guidelines for future research. Topics which comprise major development lines are micromechanics, laminate theories, design and optimization, damage and failure, and manufacturing, though a strict separation is not in all cases useful. In reviewing these topics it will turn out that their model status is of rather different maturity. Areas are identified where there are plenty of models available which are really not needed, whereas other problems cannot be modeled adequately as yet.