4 - Stress transfer in short fibre reinforced polymers

Abstract

The knowledge of stress distribution around an embedded fibre within a matrix material is crucial for the understanding of the reinforcing action of fibres in composite materials. This chapter provides the basic analytical expressions for the stresses on the fibre, at the interface and within the matrix. After a review of models, both single- and multi-fibre arrangements are considered. The chapter also includes a discussion of the effect of an interphase between the fibres and matrix on the stress distribution. Finite element calculations are summarised.