Abaqus Mesh for Fiber-reinforced Composites (Embedded)

Generates Abaqus input file (*.inp) for fiber-reinforced composites geometries using embedded elements

This function generates mesh for fiber-reinforced composites with randomly distributed fibers. Their orientation can be either random or aligned to a certain direction. The elements are divided into two sets. One set named "Fiber" in the elements set consists of truss elements for the fibers. The other set is named "Matrix" consist of brick elements for the matrix material. Embedded region constraint is defined with "Fiber" set is the embedded region, and "Matrix" set is the host region. The mesh is plotted in matlab and saved in Abaqus input (*.inp) file. An example file is provided for this function.

function Abaqus_FRC_Mesh(x,y,z,dx,dy,dz,L,N,Orientation,Filename)

Inputs:

x: [x1 x2] (2*1) vector for the range of geometry in x-direction

y: [y1 y2] (2*1) vector for the range of geometry in y-direction

z: [z1 z2] (2*1) vector for the range of geometry in z-direction

dx: mesh size in x-direction for the matrix

dy: mesh size in y-direction for the matrix

dz: mesh size in z-direction for the matrix

L: length of fibers

N: number of fibers

Orientation: can be either:-

-For aligned fibers Orientation=[l m n] where l,m, and n are the direction cosines of the fibers orientation in x,y, and z directions, respectively.

- For random fibers Orientation=[] (empty)

Filename: Full path of the input file containing the folder, name of the file and extension such as: 'D:\Example.inp'

Note: The mesh is imported in Abaqus using the following steps :(1-File___2-Import___3-Model__4-(*.inp) File). A model will be created containing a part (MATLAB_MESH), assembly, and embedded region constraint. The part contains the two element sets.