MICROMECHANICAL MODELING OF SHORT –FIBER REINFORCED POLYMERIC

Abstract

This paper presents a method considering the effect of fiber geometry and volume fraction for predicting the tensile strength, shear stress and Von Mises stress. The finite element scheme for the micromechanical modeling of the behavior of fiber reinforced polymeric composites under external load is developed. The model is used to estimate the stress distribution throughout the composite domain and to identify the location where maximum stresses occur. The ratio between fiber modulus and matrix modulus must be high enough to improve the mechanical properties and to reduce the premature interfacial failure. The prediction of the stress distribution by using a simulation tool could be helpful for more understanding the real reasons behind failure of polymer composites.