Numerical Simulation of Composite Material Performance

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

The Topic “Numerical Simulation of Composite Material Performance” aims to collect original research and review articles focusing on advanced modelling techniques for predicting the mechanical, thermal, and functional behaviour of composite materials. With the growing demand for lightweight, high-performance, and sustainable materials across sectors such as aerospace, automotive, civil engineering, and energy, numerical methods play a crucial role in accelerating design, optimising structures, and reducing experimental costs. The Topic welcomes contributions on multiscale and multiphysics simulation approaches, including finite element analysis (FEA), computational micromechanics, damage and failure modelling, virtual testing, and machine learning-enhanced predictions. Studies involving polymer-, metal-, or ceramic-matrix composites, as well as bio-based or recycled reinforcements, are particularly encouraged. Both fundamental and application-oriented works are welcome, including validation against experimental results. This Topic is intended for researchers and engineers interested in simulation-driven innovation and the integration of modelling in the material development process.

Dr. Ana Pavlovic
Dr. Giangiacomo Minak
Prof. Dr. Carlo Santulli
Dr. Nenad Djordjevic
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Applied Sciences applsci	2.5	5.5	2011	16 Days	CHF 2400	Submit
Journal of Composites Science jcs	3.7	5.8	2017	15.9 Days	CHF 1800	Submit
Materials materials	3.2	6.4	2008	15.5 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Modelling modelling	1.5	2.2	2020	24.9 Days	CHF 1200	Submit
Polymers polymers	4.9	9.7	2009	14.4 Days	CHF 2700	Submit
Applied Mechanics applmech	1.5	3.5	2020	24.5 Days	CHF 1400	Submit
Solids solids	2.4	4.5	2020	18.3 Days	CHF 1200	Submit

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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All Applied Sciences J. Compos. Sci. Materials Modelling Polymers Applied Mechanics Solids

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23 pages, 10908 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Improvement of Certain Composite Structures’ Quality by the Ultrasonic Field

by Dan Florin Nitoi, Oana Chivu, Florea Bogdan, Augustin Semenescu, Vili Pasare, Constantin Dumitrascu and Dragoş-Florin Marcu

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(2), 781; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16020781 - 12 Jan 2026

Viewed by 164

Abstract

This paper presents the activities carried out to improve the quality of certain composite structures by manufacturing them with the assistance of an ultrasonic field. As many composite materials use epoxy resins as base materials, an important problem was noted, namely their high [...] Read more.

This paper presents the activities carried out to improve the quality of certain composite structures by manufacturing them with the assistance of an ultrasonic field. As many composite materials use epoxy resins as base materials, an important problem was noted, namely their high curing time, as well as the problems of lack of adhesion and delamination, which are also known and experienced in the case of composite structures made with metallic materials as a support. The application of an ultrasonic field can successfully solve both problems. To demonstrate this improvement, the manufacturing of cylinders used in braking stands in the automotive industry was considered the main application. The proposed technology will be then extended to conveyor belts or to the manufacturing of other high-adhesion surfaces. This article presents the traditional method and the new ultrasonic field deposition technology. The design of the ultrasonic system is presented based on an analytical calculation, FEM modal analysis, followed by the construction of the ultrasonic system, as well as by bending tests and infrared thermography to demonstrate the advantages of presented method. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Numerical Simulation of Composite Material Performance)

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15 pages, 9961 KB  

Open AccessCommunication

Mechanisms of Microstructure Refinement and Wear Resistance in Laser-Cladded La₂O₃/TiB Composite Coatings: Experimental and Numerical Insights

by Menghui Ding, Youfeng Zhang, Guangyu Han, Yinling Wang and Wenzhu Zhang

Modelling 2025, 6(4), 163; https://doi.org/10.3390/modelling6040163 - 8 Dec 2025

Viewed by 384

Abstract

Titanium alloys such as Ti-6Al-4V are widely used in aerospace and biomedical fields, but their poor wear resistance and high friction coefficient limit service performance. In this study, laser cladding with La₂O₃ addition was employed to enhance the surface properties [...] Read more.

Titanium alloys such as Ti-6Al-4V are widely used in aerospace and biomedical fields, but their poor wear resistance and high friction coefficient limit service performance. In this study, laser cladding with La₂O₃ addition was employed to enhance the surface properties of Ti-6Al-4V, and the underlying mechanisms were systematically investigated by combining experimental characterization with multiphysics simulations. XRD and SEM analyses revealed that La₂O₃ addition refined grains and promoted uniform phase distribution throughout the coating thickness, leading to good metallurgical bonding. The hardness was 2–3 times higher than that of the titanium alloy substrate when the content of 2–3 wt.% was of added La₂O₃, while the wear loss ratio was reduced to 0.021% and the average friction coefficient decreased to 0.421. These improvements were strongly supported by simulations: temperature field calculations demonstrated steep thermal gradients conducive to rapid solidification; velocity field analysis and recoil-pressure-driven flow revealed vigorous melt pool convection, which homogenized solute distribution and enhanced coating densification; phase evolution simulations confirmed the role of La₂O₃ in heterogeneous nucleation and dispersion strengthening. In summary, the combined results establish a mechanistic framework where thermal cycling, melt pool dynamics, and La₂O₃-induced nucleation act synergistically to optimize coating microstructure, hardness, and wear resistance. This integrated experimental–numerical approach provides not only quantitative improvements but also a generalizable strategy for tailoring surface performance in laser-based manufacturing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Numerical Simulation of Composite Material Performance)

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34 pages, 13566 KB  

Open AccessArticle

A Unified Three-Dimensional Micromechanical Framework for Coupled Inelasticity and Damage Evolution in Diverse Composite Materials

by Suhib Abu-Qbeitah, Jacob Aboudi and Rami Haj-Ali

J. Compos. Sci. 2025, 9(12), 677; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs9120677 - 5 Dec 2025

Viewed by 457

Abstract

This study introduces a comprehensive three-dimensional micromechanical framework to capture the nonlinear mechanical behavior of diverse composite materials, including coupled elastic degradation, inelastic strain evolution, and phenomenological failure in their constituents. The primary objective is to integrate a generalized elastic degradation–inelasticity (EDI) model [...] Read more.

This study introduces a comprehensive three-dimensional micromechanical framework to capture the nonlinear mechanical behavior of diverse composite materials, including coupled elastic degradation, inelastic strain evolution, and phenomenological failure in their constituents. The primary objective is to integrate a generalized elastic degradation–inelasticity (EDI) model into the parametric high-fidelity generalized method of cells (PHFGMC) micromechanical approach, enabling accurate prediction of nonlinear responses and failure mechanisms in multi-phase composites. To achieve this, a unified three-dimensional orthotropic EDI modeling formulation is developed and implemented in the PHFGMC. Grounded in continuum mechanics, the EDI employs scalar field variables to quantify material damage and defines an energy potential function. Thermodynamic forces are specified along three principal directions, decomposed into tensile and compressive components, with shear failure accounted for across the respective planes. Inelastic strain evolution is modeled using incremental anisotropic plasticity theory, coupling damage and inelasticity to maintain generality and flexibility for diverse phase behaviors. The proposed model offers a general, unified framework for modeling damage and inelasticity, which can be calibrated to operate in either coupled or decoupled modes. The PHFGMC micromechanics framework then derives the overall (macroscopic) nonlinear and damage responses of the multi-phase composite. A failure criterion can be applied for ultimate strength evaluation, and a crack-band type theory can be used for post-ultimate degradation. The method is applicable to different types of composites, including polymer matrix composites (PMCs) and ceramic matrix composites (CMCs). Applications demonstrate predictions of monotonic and cyclic loading responses for PMCs and CMCs, incorporating inelasticity and coupled damage mechanisms (such as crack closure and tension–compression asymmetry). The proposed framework is validated through comparisons with experimental and numerical results from the literature. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Numerical Simulation of Composite Material Performance)

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14 pages, 6264 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Investigations of Edge Cutting Effects on Mechanical Behaviors of 3D Braided Composites with Different Braiding Angles

by Yafei Bai, Zhen Zhang, Tao Liu, Ziyi Wu, Haolong Zhang, Ruixing Zhu, Yue Chen, Yiwei Ouyang and Jingjing Dong

J. Compos. Sci. 2025, 9(11), 573; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs9110573 - 24 Oct 2025

Viewed by 692

Abstract

Three-dimensional braided composites (3DBCs) exhibit broad application prospects in the aerospace field due to their excellent mechanical properties. Considering that composites require cutting processing during real applications, this study employs a combination of experimental and finite element analysis methods to investigate the influence [...] Read more.

Three-dimensional braided composites (3DBCs) exhibit broad application prospects in the aerospace field due to their excellent mechanical properties. Considering that composites require cutting processing during real applications, this study employs a combination of experimental and finite element analysis methods to investigate the influence of edge cutting on the compressive and flexural properties of 3DBCs. In the finite element model, full-scale mesostructural models with intact and edge-cut structures were constructed based on identical unit cell size parameters. The findings reveal that the effect of edge cutting on composite mechanical properties depends on the braiding angle, primarily because the deformation resistance of braided yarns varies with different braiding angles. However, the influence mechanisms of edge cutting on braided composites with large braiding angles differ between compressive and flexural loading modes. The results of this study can provide a reference for the practical application of 3DBCs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Numerical Simulation of Composite Material Performance)

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