Application of stochastic finite element method in estimation of elastic constants for NCF composites

The main aim of this paper is to evaluate the effect of micro-structure variations on elastic constants of NCF (non-crimp fabric) composites. To reach this aim, a three-dimensional unit cell model is developed by the finite element code ABAQUS and mean value of elastic constants in NCF composites are determined by analytical and unit cell based methods with various boundary conditions. In addition, first- and second-order stochastic finite element formulations are derived and variances of elastic constants are computed with respect to the dispersion in length and width of the voids. Results show up to 9.1% scattering in the elastic constants.