A new model for the transverse modulus of unidirectional fiber composites

In this paper a new micromechanical model for predicting the transverse mod ulus of unidirectional continuous and discontinuous fiber composites is pro posed. This model is based on modeling a composite with a regular array of volume elements and constructing a stress pattern based on simple averaging procedures in the direction transverse to the fiber axis for a representat ive volume element. The effects of fiber aspect ratio, interfiber spacing a nd fiber end gap on the transverse modulus of discontinuous fiber composite s are discussed in detail. The predictions of the model are compared with e xisting experimental results for various fiber/matrix systems and very good agreement is found. The present model has advantages over other existing m odels not only because the effects of fiber aspect ratio, interfiber spacin g and fiber end gap are taken into account and the expression for the trans verse modulus of composites is simple in form but also because the present model gives precise predictions of the transverse composite modulus. (C) 19 98 Kluwer Academic Publishers.