Influence of doubly periodic array aspect ratio on the transverse anisotropy of continuous unidirectional fiber reinforced composites

A modified mechanics-of-materials approach is developed for analyzing the i nfluence of fiber arrangement in a rectangular array on the transverse anis otropy of transversely-isotropic unidirectional fiber reinforced-composites . The class of material under discussion is one of which is transversely is otropic only when the fiber array aspect ratio is unity. The method takes a one-dimensional approach akin to the slab analysis of metal forming studie s-with the exception that the present material being considered is heteroge neous and that deformation is within linear elastic range. Compared to the conventional mechanics-of-materials approach, the present modified model, a t unity array aspect ratio assumption for randomly arrayed fibers, gives be tter agreement with experimental results. Theoretical curves for other arra y aspect ratios are further plotted and discussed in regard to the fiber ar ray and its relation to transverse anisotropy.