Finite element analysis of a glass fiber inclusion

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Finite element analysis of a glass fiber inclusion
Authors: Southland, Jeffery R.
Committee Members: Jenkins, David R.
Summary: This analysis investigates the micromechanical behavior of a fiber-reinforced composite. Two realistic deviations from the typical set of simplifying assumptions are considered: nonhomogeneous matrix properties and imperfect fiber/matrix bonds. The stress effects due to a soft matrix interlayer at the fiber interface and the loss of a portion of the fiber/matrix interface bond are examined. The analysis is performed with the ANSYS finite element program. The effects of higher order shape functions and different mesh densities are studied. The final results are compared to a previous analysis performed at Florida Technological University (now University of Central Florida) which utilized a less refined finite element mesh. The stress results along the fiber/matrix interface are presented as graphs of stress versus radial and axial position. In addition, the stress distributions throughout the fiber/matrix system are detailed with the aid of color stress contours. These results show that a significant decrease in fiber and matrix peak stresses accompanies the addition of a soft interlayer. On the other hand, the loss of the upper interface bond significantly increases the peak stresses. In both cases, the overall system stiffness is decreased.
URL: https://stars.library.ucf.edu/rtd/4344
Database: OpenDissertations
Description
Abstract:This analysis investigates the micromechanical behavior of a fiber-reinforced composite. Two realistic deviations from the typical set of simplifying assumptions are considered: nonhomogeneous matrix properties and imperfect fiber/matrix bonds. The stress effects due to a soft matrix interlayer at the fiber interface and the loss of a portion of the fiber/matrix interface bond are examined. The analysis is performed with the ANSYS finite element program. The effects of higher order shape functions and different mesh densities are studied. The final results are compared to a previous analysis performed at Florida Technological University (now University of Central Florida) which utilized a less refined finite element mesh. The stress results along the fiber/matrix interface are presented as graphs of stress versus radial and axial position. In addition, the stress distributions throughout the fiber/matrix system are detailed with the aid of color stress contours. These results show that a significant decrease in fiber and matrix peak stresses accompanies the addition of a soft interlayer. On the other hand, the loss of the upper interface bond significantly increases the peak stresses. In both cases, the overall system stiffness is decreased.