Finite element models of natural fibers and their composites: A review

Finite element method has been widely applied in modeling natural fibers and natural fiber reinforced composites. This paper is a comprehensive review of finite element models of natural fibers and natural fiber reinforced composites, focusing on the micromechanical properties (strength, deformation, failure, and damage), thermal properties (thermal conductivity), and macro shape deformation (stress–strain and fracture). Representative volume element model is the most popular homogenization-based multi-scale constitutive method used in the finite element method to investigate the effect of microstructures on the mechanical and thermal properties of natural fibers and natural fiber reinforced composites. The representative volume element models of natural fibers and natural fiber reinforced composites at various length scales are discussed, including two types of geometrical modeling methods, the computer-based modeling method and the image-based modeling method. Their modeling efficiency and accuracy are also discussed.