Numerical homogenization and experimental validation of a composite plate using modal analysis

Abstract

A Finite Element (FE) simulation and an experimental (EXP) test are performed for the validation of the homogenized global elastic properties of a composite material plate. Composite material homogenization is based on several assumptions. Thus its validation through an independent procedure from the initial homogenization simulation is of great interest especially when materials are used in critical components such as in aerospace applications. As an application case, a Carbon/Epoxy unidirectional laminated plate is studied. Tow FE models (abaqus) are designed. First, homogenized mechanical properties are computed through a Representative Volume Element (RVE) model. Then, the computed homogenized mechanical properties are introduced to a modal analysis model of the composite plate. The resultant numerical natural frequencies and mode shapes are compared to the EXP modal analysis results. The results in this study show an interesting FE and EXP validation through a Vibration Based Method (VBM). The methodology presented in this paper can be applied to several composite material geometries and materials.