A specific finite element procedure for the analysis of elastic behaviour of short fibre reinforced composites. The Projected Fibre approach

Motivated by computing elastic properties of reinforced natural fibre composites, a multi-scale numerical model, named 'the Projected Fibre approach (PF)', is proposed. It uses a specific finite element procedure which is associated with a random distribution of short fibres. It takes into account of the geometry and the mechanical properties of composite's components. A microscopic truss finite element is used to model the short fibre reinforcements. The corresponding degrees of freedom are projected on those of the resin matrix. Numerical results of the elastic properties of a reinforced hemp fibre polypropylene composite are compared to those obtained from the experiment.