A probabilistic theory of the strength of short-fibre composites with variable fibre length and orientation

This paper adopts a probabilistic approach to examine the effects of fibre length and orientation distribution on the strength of short fibre composites. A general theory has been formulated in terms of fibre length and orientation distribution function as well as the composite geometrical and physical properties. The final result is presented in the form of a modified rule of mixtures. The result has been applied to discuss several special cases of fibre arrangements. They are (a) unidirectional short fibre composites with uniform fibre length, (b) unidirectional short fibre composites with fibre length distribution, (c) random short fibre composites with uniform fibre length and (d) partially-aligned short fibre composites with uniform fibre length. Comparisons of the present results with previous work are also discussed.On leave from the Institute of Space and Aeronautical Science, University of Tokyo, Japan.