VIPER (VIrtual Ply propERty)

VIPER (VIrtual Ply propERty) is a simulation tool developed within the framework of computational micromechanics by IMDEA Materials to expedite the prediction of fiber-reinforced ply behavior from the measured properties and spatial distribution of the different phases and interfaces in the composite. The tool is also able to generate composite microstructures with arbitrary fiber geometries as well as hybrid microstructures hence allowing for in-silico ply property screening, design and optimization. VIPER is a ready-to-use software package developed using Python which includes a Graphical User Interface. It uses a fiber repelling approach to generate hybrid microstructures with high fiber volume fractions. The tool also includes capabilities to calculate the relevant statistical microstructure descriptors. The microstructures generated by VIPER need to be exported to Finite Element software packages such as ABAQUS to perform RVE computations and predict composite ply behavior.