Progressive Failure Modeling of Tailored Universal Feedstock for Forming (TuFF) Discontinuous Long Fiber Composites

Progressive failure modeling, via the NASA Multiscale Analysis Tool (NASMAT), has been performed for a novel discontinuous composite system. The composite, known as Tailored Universal Feedstock for Forming (TuFF), retains properties comparable to continuous fiber composites, but, due to its discontinuous fibers, it is much more formable. A two-dimensional micromechanics model of TuFF has been developed, based on serial sectioning image data, that sufficiently captures the key features of the microstructure, yet remains quite computationally efficient. Through the use of an energy-based crack band damage model for the matrix, it is demonstrated that accurate predictions of the TuFF damage and failure can be made. Further, the effect of the matrix toughness, which is a key input to the crack band model, is examined.