A finite element analysis to validate the rule-of-mixtures for the prediction of the young’s modulus of composites with non-circular anisotropic fibres

Abstract

This paper considers the rule-of-mixtures in the context of the tensile modulus of unidirectional fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) composites made with fibres of irregular cross-section, having anisotropic mechanical properties. A finite element model is used to generate data for the determination of the tensile modulus of the FRP composite. A range of degrees of anisotropy are considered. The error in the predicted modulus is found to be small for irregular fibres.