Fiber Orientation

Fiber orientation refers to the simulation of the optimal placement of fibers in the fabrication of composite materials. As the primary load-bearing members in a composite material, the orientation of the fibers is essential to the physical properties of the material. By simulating fiber orientation, engineers can not only predict the behavior and characteristics of composite materials, but also determine the manufacturing methodology that will most consistently and cost-effectively place the fibers in the intended orientation.

For example, certain manufacturing processes such as weaving or sewing may be more prone to placing fibers in a way that deviates from the intended orientation – which can cause unexpected behaviors in the final material. Using this knowledge, engineers can either compensate by taking the potential for these deviations into account during the quality assessment stage, find a more accurate method of manufacture, or revise the orientation of the fibers in the material.