Multifield Micromechanics Analysis of Composites with Defects using CUF

This work presents the latest developments concerning the micromechanics models built using the Carrera Unified Formulation. CUF is a formulation to obtain any structural theory using a compact notation to define the unknown fields and governing equations. 1D and 2D finite elements based on CUF have proved to be numerically efficient and accurate and may serve as alternatives to 3D elements. For instance, CUF can generate Representative Volume Elements of composite structures and detect the 3D stress field with a fraction of the computational cost required by 3D elements. Micromechanics models from CUF can incorporate defects stemming from manufacturing, e.g., voids, to capture the effect on the local stress and strain fields, including plasticity over the matrix. CUF can be used for multifield analyses as the compact form of the governing equations can be extended to include various fields, e.g., thermal, electrical, magnetical, and combinations thereof. Coupled and uncoupled analyses are possible, and multifield variables can be modeled a priori. This work focuses on merging the micromechanics and multifield capabilities of CUF for composites. Various numerical examples are considered, e.g., thermo-mechanical analysis of RVE with voids and electromechanical cases. Comparisons with results from the literature are carried out to verify the formulation and assess its numerical efficiency. 3D fields are obtained for different RVE architectures. Perspectives on multiscale analyses are then outlined.