Numerical modeling of plant fiber-reinforced composites: Predicting macroscopic strength and nonlinear behavior through fiber, matrix, and interface failure

This paper presents a comprehensive study of the numerical modeling of plant fiber-reinforced biocomposites. It focuses on predicting the complex interactions and failure mechanisms between cellulosic fibers and polymer matrix materials. Utilizing an advanced model incorporating a two-fiber unit cell with periodic boundary conditions, the research addresses all major failure mechanisms, including matrix softening, fiber rupture, and interface failure. Through qualitative and quantitative comparison against biocomposite experiments, the model demonstrates its effectiveness despite its simple microstructural representation. It thus emphasizes its utility in understanding and predicting both the macroscopic nonlinear behavior and the ultimate strength of these composites. • Model simulates realistic interactions of fiber, matrix, and interface failures. • Validated against extensive experimental biocomposite data. • Despite simple microstructural representation, strength is accurately predicted. • Interface failure dominates the composite nonlinear behavior.