Statistical analysis of the crack sensitivity of fiber networks

• Fracturing two-dimensional random fiber networks of different densities (porosities) were statistically analyzed using both high-resolution finite element models and image analysis algorithms. Under small strains, the finite element fracture models revealed that networks with high relative densities were able to localize evolving fractures to small cracks while surprisingly larger cracks were required to localize fractures in networks of lower density. Further, it is indicated that the pore size distribution in fiber networks is rather diverse and can be captured using two mixed Gamma distributions; one part describing the background size distribution containing the vast majority of pores, and a second part describing the size distribution of larger pores and open regions. The second part covers less than 5% of the total network area but seems to be of paramount importance for the network's global fracture behavior. It seems as a fiber network's crack sensitivity is related to the average pore size in the second part of the mixed Gamma distribution. The analysis is remarkably consistent with reported experiments.

Ämnesord

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Materialteknik -- Pappers-, massa- och fiberteknik (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Materials Engineering -- Paper, Pulp and Fiber Technology (hsv//eng)

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Maskinteknik -- Teknisk mekanik (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Mechanical Engineering -- Applied Mechanics (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Fracture localization

Crack sensitivity

Fiber network

Image analysis

Finite element model

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