Analytical Models for Describing the Mechanical Behavior of Fiber Reinforced Composites
Abstract
This report covers three topics in mechanics of advanced composites: effect of fiber cross-section on stiffness and strength of laminated composites; failure criteria for composites under combined loading; and stress analysis models for thick composites. In the area of fiber cross-sectional effect, micromechanics analysis addresses the effect of elliptical fibers on the stiffness and in-plane stress concentrations. Numerical results show that fiber cross-sectional geometry has only a modest influence on laminate elastic constants. The second topic addresses the interaction between longitudinal compression and transverse loading (tension and compression). Data obtained with a mini-sandwich beam are used to generate failure stresses. Classical lamination theory, including thermal residual stresses due to cure, is utilized for determining play stresses. Experimental results reveal little interaction between longitudinal compression and transverse stresses as long as the transverse load is below uniaxial transverse failure. Under the topic of thick composites, the effect of shear deformation and transverse normal stress on the cylindrical bending of laminated, anisotropic plates subjected to a uniform lateral load is investigated. closed form solutions indicate that the effect of transverse normal stress on maximum deflection is small, even for relatively thick plates.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA265906
Entities
People
- James M. Whitney
Organizations
- Universal Technology Corporation (United States)