This paper investigates the orientation-dependent characteristics of pure zinc under localized loading using nanoindentation experiments and crystal plasticity finite element (CPFEM) simulations. Nanoindentation experiments on different grain orientations exhibited distinct load–depth responses. Atomic force microscopy revealed two-fold unsymmetrical material pile-up patterns. Obtaining crystal plasticity model parameters usually requires time-consuming micromechanical tests. Inverse analysis using experimental and simulated loading–unloading nanoindentation curves of individual grains is commonly used, however the solution to the inverse identification problem is not necessarily unique. In this study, an approach is presented allowing the identification of CPFEM constitutive parameters from nanoindentation curves and residual topographies. The proposed approach combines the response surface methodology together with a genetic algorithm to determine an optimal set of parameters. The CPFEM simulations corroborate with measured nanoindentation curves and residual profiles and reveal the evolution of deformation activity underneath the indenter.

In the context of global sustainable development, using natural fibers as reinforcement for composites have become increasingly attractive due to their lightweight, abundant availability, renewability, and comparable specific properties to conventional fibers. This paper investigates the tensile properties of a sycamore bark fiber-reinforced composite. The tensile tests using digital image correlation showed that, by adding 18% by volume of sycamore bark for the polyester matrix, the tensile modulus achieves 4788.4 ± 940.1 MPa. Moreover, the tensile strength of the polyester resin increased by approximately 90% when reinforced with sycamore bark fiber, achieving a tensile strength of 64.5 ± 13.4 MPa. These mechanical properties are determined by the way loads are transferred between the polyester matrix and fibers and by the strength of the bond between the fiber-matrix interfaces. Since it is difficult and time consuming to characterize the mechanical properties of natural fibers, an alternative approach was proposed in this study. The method consists of the identification of the fiber elastic modulus using a finite element analysis approach, based on tensile tests conducted on the sycamore bark fiber-reinforced composites. The model correctly describes the overall composite behavior, a good agreement is found between the experimental, and the finite element predicted stress–strain curves. The identified sycamore bark fiber elastic modulus is 17,763 ± 6051 MPa. These results show that sycamore bark fibers can be used as reinforcements to produce composite materials.