• Composites Research
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• v.32 no.5
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• pp.270-278
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• 2019

In this study, the transverse mechanical properties of the unidirectional fiber reinforced composite modeled with fiber, matrix, and interphase is predicted with the representative volume elements and is calibrated by adjusting the properties and thickness of the interphase by referring to the test results. While the conventional representative volume elements modeled with fiber and matrix shows high predictive accuracy for the longitudinal mechanical properties, but it shows some deviations in the transverse mechanical properties. In order to compensate such gaps, the interphase region is employed, and its mechanical properties are adjusted to improve the prediction accuracy according to various elastic modulus, thickness, and strength parameters. As a result, the deviation of the transverse elastic modulus and strength is reduced significantly similar to the test results of the unidirectional composites with the accuracy of the longitudinal mechanical properties preserved.