Finite element prediction of resin pocket geometries around arbitrary inclusions in composites: Case study for an embedded optical fiber interrogator

In this work, a finite element approach to model resin pockets around arbitrary inclusions in composite materials is presented. The F.E. algorithm is used to predict resin pocket geometries surrounding different inclusions (geometries and materials) showing a good correspondence in predicted part geometry compared to experimental samples. The use of the F.E. method is extended to simulate cured composite behavior with embedded inclusion, and compared to experimental samples loaded in bending. The obtained results show a good correspondence in predicted force–displacement curves between experiment and F.E. data, suggesting that the F.E. approach can successfully be used to optimize inclusion geometry and material for optimal performance in composite samples. Finally, for a limited subset of experiments, F.E. analysis allowed the accurate prediction of failure.