Abstract
An algorithm for the generation of periodic three-dimensional statistically Representative Volume Elements (RVEs) of unidirectional (UD) fibre-reinforced plastics (FRPs) is reported. Fibres are modelled as Bezier curves, which control points are moved in a semi-random fashion, in order to introduce waviness along the fibres. Spatial descriptors, able to statistically characterise the fibre waviness, are proposed, and their probability distributions are optimized for possible matching with experimental measurements. The developed procedure is able to generate the fibre geometry in an effective and fast way. This represents the first step in the generation of high-fidelity micromechanical models for UD FRPs.