Transverse tensile failure mechanism analysis of carbon fiber composites based on random fiber distribution

The random distribution characteristics of fiber significantly affect the transverse mechanical behavior of composites, and the establishment of a fiber random distribution model consistent with the actual statistical laws is the basis for studying the transverse characteristics of composites. In this paper, a novel simulation method for the fiber random distribution is proposed based on the Poisson disk sampling method, which ensures that the fiber distribution satisfies the uniform random distribution law of fibers and avoids overlapping or abnormal aggregation. Based on this model, a representative volume element (RVE) finite element model is further developed for the transverse tensile behavior of unidirectional composites. The nonlinear mechanical behavior of the resin matrix is characterized by the Drucker–Prager yield criterion and the Ductile damage evolution criterion to describe its plastic deformation and progressive damage processes. The results show that the stress-strain curves obtained by the simulation method in this paper are consistent with the results in the literature, which verifies the accuracy of the model. This study provides a reliable numerical analysis framework for the prediction of transverse mechanical properties of unidirectional carbon fiber composites, and reveals the mechanism of fiber distribution and interfacial properties on the macroscopic mechanical behaviors.