Full-domain multiscale analyses of unidirectional AS4/H3502 open-hole composite tensile specimens were performed to assess the effect of microscale progressive fiber failures in regions with large stress/strain gradients on macroscale composite strengths. The effect of model discretization at the microscale and macroscale on the calculated composite strengths and analysis times was investigated. Multiple sets of microscale analyses of repeating unit cells, each containing varying numbers of fibers with a distinct statistical distribution of fiber strengths and fiber volume fractions, were used to establish the microscale discretization for use in multiscale calculations. In order to improve computational times, multiscale analyses were performed over a reduced domain of the open-hole specimen. The calculated strengths obtained using reduced domain analyses were comparable to those for full-domain analyses, but at a fraction of the computational cost. Such reduced domain analyses likely are an integral part of efficient adaptive multiscale analyses of large all-composite air vehicles.

The aim of the study was to find out the relationship between the DP and the tensile properties of different regenerated cellulose fibers. During the process to make regenerated cellulose fibers from wood, the reduction in DP of cellulose is a necessary process to enable fiber extrusion. The reduction of the DP is usually from 1000 to 350 (Coley 1953). The reduction in DP is necessary, first to make the cellulose soluble, and then further decrease in DP is required to control the viscosity of the solution to minimize the mechanical difficulties during processing faced. It is a fact that the reduction in DP is a compromise which is necessary, as reduction in DP means reduction in tensile properties of the fiber produced. The reduction in DP is optimized to make the process both processing and the final product more feasible. The relation in DP and the strength of the fibers is rather obvious i.e. higher the DP higher the tensile strength, but researchers have different views regarding the relationship. By the experiments performed by us we tried to come to a conclusion regarding the difference in opinions. Different types of regenerated cellulose fibers were collected from various sources. Both wet and dry tenacities of 19 different viscose, bamboo viscose, kupro viscose, modal and Tencel fibers were determined. The fiber linear density was also measured, but for some samples we had to take the fiber density value as provided by the manufacturer, due to the limitation of the instrument regarding the fiber length and low fiber linear density. Then out of all the samples 10 were selected (based on our and company’s interest). SEC analysis was used to determine the DP of the samples. These tests were not carried out by us but by MoRe Research. The results of both the analysis were gathered, analyzed and commented upon. / Program: Master Programme in Textile Technology