Influence of Fiber Orientation Distribution on Strength of Notched Composites,
Abstract
A short fiber composite material containing a circular notch is analyzed to determine the effect of fiber orientation on material property and strength characteristics. Several models are presented, each assuming a different state of fiber orientation, and analyzed with a finite element structural analysis program to determine performance under axial load. Numerous contour plots are presented for each model which display the dependence of material characteristics on fiber orientation and show the stress and displacement distributions. A failure model is then developed which predicts strength reduction as a function of notch size. It was found that, relative to the isotropic or orthotropic condition, strength levels of the various models vary by no more than 10-11 percent for a given notch size. It is also shown that, given a notch size and corresponding strength reduction in an isotropic or orthotropic case, notch sizes up to 50 percent larger result in no greater strength reduction. Lastly, it is found that a particular model may be of greater strength than another for a certain notch size range and be of inferior strength in a different range. Thus, relative strength is found to be dependent on absolute notch size. (MM)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA305003
Entities
People
- Michael C. Lindell
Organizations
- University of Delaware