FIBER COMPOSITE COLUMNS UNDER COMPRESSION.

Abstract

The micromechanics of fiber composite columns under compression is investigated theoretically. The model is based on the assumption that the fiber buckles inside the matrix. In the postbuckling range the fiber is considered as a beam on elastic foundation. The value of the foundation constant is evaluated for a cylindrical fiber. It is shown that prebuckling separation between fiber and matrix affects the critical buckling load and the postbuckling behavior of the fiber. Computations show that in the linear elastic range of common materials the buckling of the fiber does not affect significantly the overall mechanical behavior of the composite.