A Semi-Empirical Method for Determining the Averaged Orientation of Reinforcing Fibre in Fibre Reinforced Composites

Authors

  • Maina Maringa

Keywords:

Semi Empirical, Averaged Reinforcing Fibre Orientation, Elastic Modulus

Abstract

Fibre reinforced composites occur mainly in the form of longitudinally aligned continuous and discontinuous fibre,  discontinuous randomly oriented and spatially distributed, fibre matts and fibre laminates. In these cases whilst design is reference to the categories given, re-orientation of the reinforcing fibres is likely to arise during placement of the fibres and compounding of the composite. The need does therefore arise for quick methods that can be used to verify conformity of the averaged fibre orientation with the design specifications. Expressions are developed here for use in predicting the averaged orientation of reinforcing fibre in fibre reinforced composites, based on known values of elastic modulus in any two mutually orthogonal directions. Theoretical validation of the expressions is carried out based on known properties in specific directions. Experimental validation however, is part of on-going work.

Author Biography

Maina Maringa

Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, Central University of Technology

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Published

04-04-2022