Characterising microstructural organisation in unidirectional composites

Understanding the three-dimensional variability of unidirectional composites is relevant to material performance and development advanced modelling strategies. This work proposes a new methodology for characterization composites, showcased on carbon fibre/poly(ether-ether-ketone) tapes. Three microstructural descriptors were here introduced, each representing an increasing level complexity in fibre architecture: from tortuosity-based single trajectory analysis groups’ behaviour, network interconnectivity. The was developed validated real datasets acquired via X-ray computed tomography. A facile method image used reconstruct fibrous architecture at path resolution. approach bridges gap traditional nomenclature typical composite field describe quantify complex organization highlighting micro- mesoscopic features, such as edge-core effects arrangement, possibly occurring tow spreading. study parameter interdependence showed relationships, which will provide further insight future research microstructure formation its evolution during processing or loading, input techniques based Representative Volume Elements.