Directional property unidirectional

An orthotropic material is called transversely isotropic when one of its principal planes is a plane of isotropy, i.e. at every point there is a plane on which the mechanical properties are the same in all directions [2]. Unidirectional carbon fibers packed in a hexagonal array with a relatively high volume fraction can be considered transversely isotropic, with the 2-3 plane normal to the fibers as the plane of isotropy (Figure 22.2). For a transversely isotropic material, it should be noted that the subscripts 2 and 3 (for a 2-3 plane of symmetry) in the material constants are interchangeable. Hence... 

The tensile strength of a unidirectional lamina loaded ia the fiber direction can be estimated from the properties of the fiber and matrix for a special set of circumstances. If all of the fibers have the same tensile strength and the composite is linear elastic until failure of the fibers, then the strength of the composite is given by... 

This is an important relationship. It states that the modulus of a unidirectional fibre composite is proportional to the volume fractions of the materials in the composite. This is known as the Rule of Mixtures. It may also be used to determine the density of a composite as well as other properties such as the Poisson s Ratio, strength, thermal conductivity and electrical conductivity in the fibre direction. 

Example 3.2 PEEK is to be reinforced with 30% by volume of unidirectional carbon fibres and the properties of the individual materials are given below. Calculate the density, modulus and strength of the composite in the fibre direction. 

The properties of a unidirectional fibre will not be nearly so good in the transverse direction compared with the longitudinal direction. As a material in service is likely to be subjected to stresses and strains in all directions it is important to be aware of the properties in all directions. The transverse direction will, of course, be the weakest direction and so it is necessary to pay particular attention to this. 

Consider the situation of a thin unidirectional lamina under a state of plane stress as shown in Fig. 3.9. The properties of the lamina are anisotropic so it will have modulus values of E and Ei in the fibre and transverse directions, respectively. The values of these parameters may be determined as illustrated above. 

The Plate Constitutive equations can be used for curved plates provided the radius of curvature is large relative to the thickness (typically r/h > 50). They can also be used to analyse laminates made up of materials other than unidirectional fibres, eg layers which are isotropic or made from woven fabrics can be analysed by inserting the relevant properties for the local 1-2 directions. Sandwich panels can also be analysed by using a thickness and appropriate properties for the core material. These types of situation are considered in the following Examples. 

Example 3.16 A unidirectional carbon hbre/PEEK laminate has the stacking sequence [O/SSa/—352]t- If it has an in-plane stress of = 100 MN/m applied, calculate the strains and curvatures in the global directions. The properties of the individual plies are... 

Fibers are often regarded as the dominant constituents in a fiber-reinforced composite material. However, simple micromechanics analysis described in Section 7.3.5, Importance of Constituents, leads to the conclusion that fibers dominate only the fiber-direction modulus of a unidirectionally reinforced lamina. Of course, lamina properties in that direction have the potential to contribute the most to the strength and stiffness of a laminate. Thus, the fibers do play the dominant role in a properly designed laminate. Such a laminate must have fibers oriented in the various directions necessary to resist all possible loads. 

A simplified performance index for stiffness is readily obtained from the essentials of micromechanics theory (see, for example. Chapter 3). The fundamental engineering constants for a unidirectionally reinforced lamina, ., 2, v.,2, and G.,2, are easily analyzed with simple back-of-the-envelope calculations that reveal which engineering constants are dominated by the fiber properties, which by the matrix properties, and which are not dominated by either fiber or matrix properties. Recall that the fiber-direction modulus, is fiber-dominated. Moreover, both the modulus transverse to the fibers, 2, and the shear modulus, G12. are matrix-dominated. Finally, the Poisson s ratio, v.,2, is neither fiber-dominated nor matrix-dominated. Accordingly, if for design purposes the matrix has been selected but the value of 1 is insufficient, then another more-capable fiber system is necessary. Flowever, if 2 and/or G12 are insufficient, then selection of a different fiber system will do no practical good. The actual problem is the matrix systemi The same arguments apply to variations in the relative percentages of fiber and matrix for a fixed material system. 

Anisotropic material In an anisotropic material the properties vary, depending on the direction in which they are measured. There are various degrees of anisotropy, using different terms such as orthotropic or unidirectional, bidirectional, heterogeneous, and so on (Fig. 3-19). For example, cast plastics or metals tend to be reasonably isotropic. However, plastics that are extruded, injection molded, and rolled plastics and metals tend to develop an orientation in the processing flow direction (machined direction). Thus, they have different properties in the machine and transverse directions, particularly in the case of extruded or rolled materials (plastics, steels, etc.). 

The properties of unidirectional composites in the fibre direction can compete with those of current metals and alloys. The highest-performance engineering plastics compete with magnesium and aluminium alloys. 

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