THE EFFECT OF INTERPHASE ON THE ELASTIC BEHAVIOR OF A GLASS EPOXY BUNDLE/

In this paper, we discuss the effect of an interphase on the micro- an d macro-mechanical behavior of a glass/epoxy bundle. This interphase h as its own set of constant properties, based on the model of Theocaris et al. The hexagonal basic cell composed of three phases is modeled b y three-dimensional isoparametric hexagonal elements and two other bri ck elements. In the interphase finite elements, the elasticity matrice s are computed at the Gauss points. By using homogenization schemes fo r periodic media, the effective elastic moduli of glass/epoxy bundles are determined. To analyse the interphase effect, the effective elasti c moduli are compared with those of the perfect-interface case. For tw o values of fiber content, these results are compared with experimenta l values. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Limited.