Stiffness of Non-Aligned Fiber Reinforced Composites
Abstract
A general procedure for predicting the average Young's modulus of short fiber composites is formulated and applied to random mat, three- dimensional random prepreg, and transfer moldings. In all cases a uniform strain analysis agrees closely with experimental data for epoxy composites reinforced with graphite, stainless steel, and glass fibers. This reflects a high average stiffness in the composites. Several limiting cases and specific prediction techniques appearing in the literature are compared for the random composites. Simple formulas are adequate for predicting the Young's modulus of these systems. The effects of component properties on the random modulus are described. A new technique is developed for calculating the average modulus of a general axisymmetric composite by integrating over the orientation distribution.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1971
- Accession Number
- AD0886372
Entities
People
- L. A. Goettler
- R. E. Lavengood
Organizations
- Monsanto