Properties of a polymer matrix composite

A polymer matrix composite is made from a duromer matrix containing continuous carbon fibres aligned in the loading direction. Young s modulus is 3 GPa in the matrix and 350 GPa in the carbon fibres, the tensile strengths are 60 MPa and 4900 MPa. The volume fraction of the carbon fibres is 55%. 

Estimate Young s modulus of the composite in fibre direction  

Estimate the tensile strength of the composite in fibre direction Start by checking which component will fail first when the load is increased Assuming that the compressive strength of the matrix is the same as the tensile strength, estimate the compressive strength of the composite  

How does your calculation of the tensile strength change if the strengthening fibres are as short as 5 mm, much smaller than the dimension of the component Assume that the short fibres are still perfectly aligned The interfacial strength between fibre and matrix is 30 MPa, the fibre diameter is 8 pm. 

---

We briefly discuss the following mechanical properties of a polymer matrix composite material filled with whiskers. 

---