The Mori-Tanaka micro-mechanics model uses anisotropic matrix material properties to calculate mechanical properties of fiber filled composite materials, improving the prediction of shrinkage and warpage.
The prediction of the mechanical and thermal parameters of material composites is improved when this model is used with materials that have anisotropic matrix material properties, such as LCP-based fiber-filled composites. If a material only has isotropic matrix material properties, the Mori-Tanaka model has no advantage over the default Moldflow Tandon-Weng model.
Correct anisotropic matrix material properties must be explicitly included in the material data in order to use the Mori-Tanaka micro-mechanics model. This model uses the following seven parameters when calculating the mechanical and thermal parameters:
- Elastic modulus, 1st principal direction (E1)-the elastic modulus in the flow direction
- Elastic modulus, 2nd principal direction (E2)-the elastic modulus in the transverse direction
- Poisson ratio (v12)-Poisson ratio between flow and transverse directions
- Poisson ratio (v23)-Poisson ratio between two transverse directions
- Poisson ratio (G12)-shear modulus
- Alpha1-thermal expansion coefficient in the flow direction
- Alpha2-thermal expansion coefficient in the transverse direction
Note: The Mori-Tanaka micro-mechanics model is the default model for LCP materials. If your material has isotropic matrix data, the Tandon-Weng micro-mechanics model will be used.