The focus of this work lies on the microstructure-based modeling and characterization of a discontinuous fiber-reinforced thermoset in the form of sheet molding compound (SMC). A microstructure-based parameter identification scheme for SMC with an inhomogeneous fiber orientation distribution is introduced. Different cruciform specimen designs, including two concepts to reinforce the specimens' arms are evaluated. Additionally, a micromechanical mean-field damage model for the SMC is introduced. This work was published by Saint Philip Street Press pursuant to a Creative Commons license permitting commercial use. All rights not granted by the work's license are retained by the author or authors.

A discontinuous fiber-reinforced thermoset material produced by the Sheet Molding Compound process is investigated. Due to the process-related fiber orientation distribution, a composite with an anisotropic microstructure is created which crucially affects the mechanical properties. The central objectives are the modeling of the thermoelastic behavior of the composite accounting for the underlying microstructure, and the experimental characterization of the pure resin and the composite material.

The aim of this work is to model and experimentally characterize the anisotropic material behavior of SMC composites on the macroscale with consideration of the microstructure. Temperature-dependent thermoelastic behavior and failure behavior are modeled and the corresponding material properties are determined experimentally. Additionally, experimental biaxial damage investigations are performed. A parameter identification merges modeling and experiments and validates the models.

Effective mechanical properties of fiber-reinforced composites strongly depend on the microstructure, including the fibers' orientation. Studying this dependency, we identify the variety of fiber orientation tensors up to fourth-order using irreducible tensors and material symmetry. The case of planar fiber orientation tensors, relevant for sheet molding compound, is presented completely. Consequences for the reconstruction of fiber distributions and mean field homogenization are presented.

Wir präsentieren einen Algorithmus zur schnellen Erzeugung von SMC Mikrostrukturen hoher Güte, durch Verwendung einer exakten Schließung und eines quasi-zufälligen Samplings. Darüber hinaus stellen wir ein modulares Framework zur Modellierung anisotroper Schädigung vor. Unser Konzept der Extraktionstensoren und Schädigungsfunktionen ermöglicht die Beschreibung komplexer Vorgänge. Darüber hinaus schlagen wir einen ganzheitlichen Multiskalenansatz zur Bestimmung anisotroper Versagenskriterien vor. - We introduce an algorithm that allows for a fast generation of SMC composite microstructures. An exact closure approximation and a quasi-random orientation sampling ensure high fidelity. Furthermore, we present a modular framework for anisotropic damage evolution. Our concept of extraction tensors and damage-hardening functions enables the description of complex damage-degradation. In addition, we propose a holistic multiscale approach for constructing anisotropic failure criteria.

artensite forms under rapid cooling of austenitic grains accompanied by a change of the crystal lattice. Large deformations are induced which lead to plastic dislocations. In this work a transformation model based on the sharp interface theory, set in a finite strain context is developed. Crystal plasticity effects, the kinetic of the singular surface as well as a simple model of the inheritance from austenite dislocations into martensite are accounted for.