Modeling of fiber media, nonwovens, and fiber-reinforced composites

FiberGeo

FiberGeo generates advanced 3D digital models of materials, called digital twins. These materials include spunbonded fabrics, carded nonwovens, filter media, laminate structures, insulation materials, gas diffusion layers (GDL), and fiber-reinforced composites. The modeling process in FiberGeo begins with the input of a statistical description of the material that includes key parameters such as fiber shape, fiber diameter and length distributions, curvature, and fiber orientation distribution.

In instances where statistical input parameters are unavailable, our innovative FiberFind module is the solution. From 3D scans of actual materials, FiberFind rapidly identifies the necessary parameters, guaranteeing precision and dependability in the modeling process with FiberGeo.

The digital 3D microstructure model, or digital twin, offers an unparalleled level of detail, enabling comprehensive analyses comparable to those obtained from traditional µCT scans. Its analysis capabilities include the computation of pore-size distribution (with the PoroDict module) and the simulation of permeability (with the FlowDict module).

The digital twins generated with GeoDict stand out due to their remarkable versatility. Unlike a single CT-scan, a digital twin based on a statistical model is an extremely effective tool for digital material design. A digital twin enables the exploration of diverse material structures by digitally manipulating the underlying parameters.

GeoDict allows for a direct comparison between new designs and existing products, providing valuable insights into material properties that can be usefully applied to the creation of entirely new material designs.

FiberGeo Features

FiberGeo includes multiple options to create and modify fiber media.

Create Fibers places fibers of a specified shape and size distribution into a 3D domain until a given solid volume percentage (or a similar stopping criterion) is reached. The fibers are created with overlap, or optionally, are densely packed without overlap. Multiple fiber shapes and material phases are available. Additionally, fibers can be added to an already existing 3D microstructure model.

The fiber profiles can take various shapes, including circular, elliptical, rectangular, trilobal, or custom-defined with randomly distributed parameters. Fibers may be either solid or hollow and can be modeled as infinitely long or with a random length distribution. Both straight and curved fibers can be simulated, with the option to apply random orientation distributions. Additionally, fiber bundles can be created for more complex modeling.

Pile Fibers allows to pile fibers of a specified shape and size distribution onto a flat surface or into a pre-existing 3D microstructure model. During the piling process, the fibers are arranged in a non-overlapping manner, with each other and with the existing geometry. Additionally, users have the option to specify an isolation distance between the fibers, if required.

The Add Binder feature enables the inclusion of realistic binder distributions into any existing 3D microstructure model. For example, those created using the Create Fibers option. The binder distribution is fully customizable and can be anisotropic, with the option of following a gradient distribution.

As a final option, the Distribute function is available, which allows for the random shifting and distribution of non-overlapping fibers, for example, in the case of piled fibers.

Following Modules are often used in combination with FiberGeo:

Image Processing and Image Analysis ImportGeo-Vol          
Material Analysis PoroDict + MatDict FiberFind        
Modeling & Design            
Simulation & Prediction ConductoDict DiffuDict ElastoDict FlowDict SatuDict FilterDict
Interfaces ExportGeo-CAD + MeshGeo          

Suitable modules depend on the concrete application.