Characterization of Architected Composite for Enhanced Properties

Architectured composites based on two structures, namely, interlocking architecture and hierarchical hexagons, have been numerically studied for the tensile response. The composites consisting of stiff PMMA and soft PU have been simulated along with periodic boundary conditions on the RVE. Quasi-static tensile tests are simulated to determine the elastic stiffness of the structures and identify the role of the architectures. The tensile response and stress fields in the interlocking architecture show that the interlock contributes to the tensile load-bearing capacity. From the stress fields, the stress concentration and failure-prone zones can be identified to improve the design. In the hierarchical honeycombs, the tensile response shows improvements in stiffness due to the introduction of hierarchy. Further, PU filling in the hexagonal structure increases the stiffness as well as delays the failure. The simulation results show that the tensile stiffness of the composites can be tailored by controlling the features of the architectures.