A new strength model for application of a physically based failure criterion to orthogonal 3D fiber reinforced plastics

A strength model for 3D fiber-reinforced plastics consisting of unidirectio nal layers with a high in-plane fiber density and additional reinforcements perpendicular to the layers with a significantly lower fiber density is pr esented. The strength model aims to enhance the application range of an exi sting, physically based failure criterion for inter-fiber fracture of unidi rectional fiber-reinforced layers to the above mentioned configuration of 3 D-composites. In doing so the fundamental physical basis, the fracture hypo thesis of Mohr, and the general mathematical formulation of the criterion a re sustained. The enhancement of the application range is achieved by emplo ying a continuous interpolation between the basic strengths of an orthogona l 3D fiber-reinforced layer. (C) 2001 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. Al l rights reserved.