Effects of geometry and properties of fibre and matrix on overall composite parameters

Abstract: To determine the overall material properties, E1, E2 and G12, of a composite lamina, a finite element (FE) simulation approach is presented and its results are compared with those from mechanics of materials. To investigate the effect of fibre’s geometry on the overall composite properties, three different fibre’s geometries are considered, in conjunction with two matrix materials and four fibre materials. Strand 7, the commercial FE analysis software, is employed to conduct FE simulation. The FE results of the overall material properties of the composite, for different matrix’s and fibre’s geometries, and material properties, are compared with those from mechanics of materials approach. Key words: Composite lamina. Finite element approach, fiber geometry, fiber matrix