Microstructure-property relationships of GRP

Fibre-reinforced composite materials are being used increasingly in critical applications, when the primary function of the material is to support loads, but very high safety margins are commonly used for such applications. Such large safety margins arise from the uncertainties regarding the mechanical behaviour of composite materials. The authors believe that the lack of microstructural definition of composite materials may make a substantial contribution to these uncertainties. In this initial study, relationships are sought between microstructure and properties of a model microstructure. The methods used are applicable to a very wide range of composite materials.