Multiscale modelling and mechanical behaviour of woven natural fibre-based composites

Natural fibre-reinforced composites are increasingly being recognised as viable sustainable substitutes for traditional materials, owing to their lower environmental impact and the use of renewable raw resources. Nevertheless, the complexity of their internal microstructure [1,2] requires suitable models for their mechanical characterisation. Within this framework, multiscale modelling proves to be a valuable approach for predicting their overall mechanical response at the macroscopic level [3]. This study focuses on the analysis of the mechanical behaviour of natural fibre textiles (such as flax, hemp and cotton), taking into account various fabric architectures (including twill, satin and plain weaves). The methodology combines both analytical and numerical techniques. The developed numerical models are intended to provide a reliable framework for the prediction of the mechanical response of these materials and will serve as a basis for comparison with future experimental investigations. Such a combined numerical-experimental approach will contribute to a deeper understanding of the influence of textile architecture on the overall mechanical behaviour of sustainable composite materials for structural applications.