Effects of fiber aspect ratio evaluated by elastic analysis in discontinuous composites

An elastic stress analysis to investigate the effects of fiber aspect ratio in short fiber reinforced discontinuous composite materials has been done for different fiber volume fractions. In order to examine the elastic internal behavior, an evaluation of the load bearing capacity of discontinuous reinforcements is needed in advance. Accordingly, analytical derivation of composite mechanics has been carried out to predict fiber stresses and fiber/matrix interfacial shear stresses in discontinuous composites. The model is based on the theoretical development of conventional shear lag theory developed by Cox. However, the major shortcoming of the Cox model is due to the calculation without normal stress transfer from the end of fibers. In order to overcome the shortcoming, both of the normal and shear stress transfer mechanisms between the fiber and the matrix are accounted for with the stress concentration effects as well as material and geometrical properties. Results of predicted stresses concerning the various fiber aspect ratios are described by using the present model that is the closed form solution and compared with the Cox model and Taya model. It is found that the effect of fiber aspect ratio is significant to composite strengthening through load transfer from the matrix to the fiber, whereas the effect of fiber volume fraction is not so sensitive, relatively. It is also found that the present model has the capability to correctly predict the values of fiber stresses and fiber/matrix interfacial shear stresses.