Strength of continuous fibres reinforced composites

Abstract

The strength values of continuous fibre/plastic composites. with different fibre-matrix bond strengths, different fibre and matrix failure strains, different failure types, obtained on coupon of different dimensions, have been analysed. The analysis has been based on the results of tensile, compression and flexural strength of carbon/epoxy, carbon/polyester and glass/polyester composites. Strength results have been correlated with the component characteristics and to the failure processes during testing. The effect of strength decrease with an increase in coupon dimensions has been considered as size effect, applying the Weibull statistical theory and Wisnom fibre model of noncatastrophic failure. Strength results obtained in different tests have been mutually compared and the influence of non-linear elastic behaviour of carbon fibres has been included to explain flexural strength.