Generation of random fiber distributions for unidirectional fiber‐reinforced composites based on particle swarm optimizer

The stochastic nature of fiber distribution over transversal cross‐section in unidirectional fiber‐reinforced composites has a significant effect on the microscopical distribution of stresses and strains. Towards simulation‐based analysis and design of fiber‐reinforced composite, this paper concentrates on the issue of random fiber distributions and a new approach is developed to effectively generate microstructures of composite material with high fiber volume fraction. The method, named random distribution particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm, is proposed based on the particle movement regulation and position updating principle of PSO. The method creates microstructures with different fiber volume fractions conveniently by distributing each single fiber with inter‐fiber distance arrangement. The performance of algorithm is analyzed statistically and the results demonstrate that it is capable of catching the typical distribution of these materials for both low and high fiber volume fractions. Finite‐element analysis is conducted to predict effective properties of the generated microstructures and the simulation results exhibit reasonable agreement with experimental results. The developed algorithm is easily realized and highly efficient without introducing heuristic steps to achieve high volume fraction. The approach provides a valuable alternative to generate random numerical models used in micromechanical analysis of unidirectional fiber‐reinforced composites. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:1643–1653, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers