Estimation of Material Properties of Epoxy-based Composites Containing Silica Fillers Using Simulation by Finite-Element-Method-based Homogenization

Abstract

Tailoring is a keyword in the recent development of polymer composite insulation materials. It enables the composites to have desired material properties based on demands in electric power sectors. Computer simulation is an effective approach to tailor new composites and to clarify their characteristics. This paper estimates the material properties of epoxy-based composites containing silica fillers by simulating the composites using a homogenization technique by the finite element method. The rule of mixture can estimate the material properties based on the volume fraction of epoxy resin and fillers. However, it cannot estimate the material properties attributed to composite structures which consist of the epoxy resin and fillers. Therefore, the simulation focuses on a filler diameter distribution in the composites. Moreover, a comparison of material properties calculated in the simulation and measured in the actual composite demonstrates the availability of the simulation.