Title: Shear lag models for stress transfer from an elastic matrix to a fibre in a composite material

Authors: K.L. Goh, R.M. Aspden, D.W.L. Hukins

Addresses: Division of Bioengineering, School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 637457, Singapore. ' Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK. ' Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK

Abstract: A differential equation describes the average axial stress, σf, as a function of length, in a fibre surrounded by an elastic matrix. Expressions for σf and the shear stress between the fibre and the matrix, τ, as a function of length, are solutions to this differential equation. This paper compares the general solution with expressions for σf and τ given by Cox, Nairn and Rosen. Solutions for σf and τ have the same form in all three models. Expressions for σf and τ with the same form given by Cox can be derived without the need to invoke fibre-fibre interactions.

Keywords: composite materials; fibre reinforcement; shear lag models; stress transfer; elastic matrix; tensile stiffness; tensile strength.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMSI.2007.013871

International Journal of Materials and Structural Integrity, 2007 Vol.1 No.1/2/3, pp.180 - 189

Published online: 31 May 2007 *

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