Validity of random microstructures simulation in fiber-reinforced composite materials.

Abstract: This paper establishes a set of criteria to check two microstructures in fiber-reinforced composites for geometrical equivalence. The criteria are based on a combination of a point process, one-point and two-point probability functions; convergence of microstructure size; and equality of fiber radius distribution. The criteria were shown to distinguish different microstructures and identify similar ones. Also, a reconstruction technique is proposed that can efficiently reconstruct a microstructure while satisfying the criteria. Results show the reconstruction technique exceeded the 5% tolerances set by multiple samples of an experimental observation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]