Analytical and numerical analyses for two-dimensional stress transfer

Both analytical modeling and numerical simulations were performed to analyz e the stress transfer in platelet-reinforced composites in a two-dimensiona l sense. In the two-dimensional model, an embedded elongated plate bonded t o a matrix along its long edges was considered. The system was subjected to both tensile loading parallel to the plate's long edges and residual therm al stresses. The ends of the plate can be debonded from or bonded to the ma trix during loading, and both cases were considered in the analysis. Good a greement was obtained between the present analytical and numerical solution s. However, better agreement between analytical and numerical models was ob tained for the case of bonded ends than for debonded ends. (C) 1999 Elsevie r Science S.A. All rights reserved.