Evolution of effective mechanical and interphase properties during natural ageing of glass-fibre/epoxy composites using micromechanical approach

This work proposes, by a micromechanical approach, to simulate the effects of humid tropical aging on unidirectional composite (E-glass fibers/epoxy) taking into account an interphase region. An area (500 nm width) is identified AFM measurements around each fibre at initial state. During ageing this increases up 1 µm width. Numerical micro-models, using ABAQUS™, are developed predict mechanical behaviour under monotonic transverse traction. A Representative Volume Element description with random distribution fibres generated from plug-in “RVE for Composites”. Linear elastic laws used describe materials and Kinematic Uniform Boundary Conditions considered boundaries conditions. Numerical, analytical experimental results compared validate micro-models. The obtained in good agreement values. These highlight importance numerical models behaviour.