A particle-based method for mechanical analyses of planar fiber-based materials

A new discrete element model to deal with rapid deformation and fracture of flat fibrous materials is derived. The method is based on classical mechanical theories and is a combination of traditional particle dynamics and nonlinear engineering beam theory. It is assumed that a fiber can be seen as a beam that is represented by discrete particles, which are moving according to Newton's laws of motion. Damage is dealt with by fracture of fiber-segments and fiberfiber bonds when the potential energy of a segment or bond exceeds the critical fracture energy. This allows fractures to evolve as a result of material properties only. To validate the model, four examples are shown and compared with analytical results found in literature. Copyright (c) 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.